Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Disease: Methods and Protocols

The book provides a collection of protocols for generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and using them to model human diseases. It covers techniques for iPS cell generation, characterization, and differentiation into disease-specific cell types. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, the book is designed for experts and novices in the stem cell field.

Format: Hardback
Length: 428 pages
Publication date: 03 July 2022
Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

This comprehensive volume presents a series of protocols that represent recent developments and advancements in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and corresponding human disease models. Reflecting the latest technology for generating iPS cells and their initial characterization, the book explores techniques invaluable for studying disease-specific cell types and their potential applications in regenerative medicine. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include an introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Disease: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital guide that is valuable for not only experts but also novices in the stem cell field.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) have emerged as a powerful tool in biomedical research, offering the potential to generate any cell type in the human body. These cells are derived from adult cells by introducing specific genes, which allows them to revert to a pluripotent state similar to embryonic stem cells. iPS cells have numerous applications in drug discovery, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.

One of the key advantages of iPS cells is their ability to generate patient-specific cell models. By reprogramming adult cells from patients with a specific disease, researchers can create cells that mimic the genetic abnormalities and cellular characteristics of the disease. This allows for more accurate and personalized drug testing and enables the development of targeted therapies.

iPS cells have also been used to study human diseases in a more physiological context. By generating iPS cells from patients with a particular disease, researchers can study the disease in vitro and investigate the underlying mechanisms of the disease. This has led to a better understanding of the disease pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

In addition to their applications in research, iPS cells have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine. iPS cells can be differentiated into various cell types, such as neurons, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes, which can be transplanted into patients to repair damaged tissues or replace lost organs. This has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as spinal cord injuries, heart disease, and diabetes.

However, the generation of iPS cells is not without challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for specific factors and signaling pathways to induce pluripotency. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety and efficacy of iPS cells in clinical applications.

To address these challenges, researchers have developed a variety of protocols and techniques for generating iPS cells. These protocols involve the introduction of specific genes into adult cells, which can be achieved through viral vectors, non-viral methods, or cell-based reprogramming techniques. Once the iPS cells are generated, they can be further differentiated into desired cell types using a variety of differentiation protocols.

In conclusion, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) have revolutionized biomedical research and have the potential to transform the treatment of human diseases. iPS cells offer the ability to generate patient-specific cell models, study human diseases in a more physiological context, and be used in regenerative medicine. However, the generation of iPS cells is not without challenges, and researchers continue to develop new protocols and techniques to improve the efficiency and safety of iPS cell generation.

Weight: 1027g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781071625842
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022