Stem Cells in Endocrinology

Description

Stem cell research can not only develop potential sources of cells for endocrine therapy, but can also allow the study of organ development ex vivo using isolated and defined stem cell precursors. In Stem Cells in Endocrinology, leading stem cell biologists and developmental endocrinologists critically review both cutting-edge approaches to stem cell biology and the application of stem cells to endocrine diseases, including diabetes, infertility, and liver-associated metabolic disorders. The authors discuss current research to modify stem cells, develop an endocrine-like cell, and use adult bone marrow stem cells to treat autoimmune diseases, including endocrine-based autoimmune diseases. Topics of interest include a review of all stem cell subtypes and their characteristics, approaches to promoting endocrine development from stem cells, and evidence for endocrine cell function from stem cells. The authors also outline how best to develop preclinical studies that will determine the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies for endocrine disorders. Background chapters provide a basic understanding of stem cell biology and introduce all major types of stem cells, including embryonic, adult, cord blood, and germ line. State of the art and forward looking, Stem Cells in Endocrinology offers the basic and clinician scientist an authoritative evaluation of all aspects of how stem cells might be used to create endocrine cells and to treat such diseases as type 1 diabetes.