Adult Stem Cells second edition takes a critical look at issues concerning the developmental
or differentiation potential for a variety of tissue types and for specific adult stem cell
types. Since the first edition appeared a decade ago our understanding of adult stem cells
and more specifically tissue-specific adult stem cells has advanced tremendously. And an
increased interest in regenerative medicine and potential stem cell applications has driven a
quest for better understanding of stem cell biology. In turn this has spawned much activity on
generation and utilization of more and better reagents to identify and isolate stem cells and
stem cell-like subpopulations and on assays elucidating their developmental or differentiation
potential and functional integration with host tissues and organs. In this fully updated new
edition chapters cover topics ranging from signaling pathways maintaining stemness in
hematopoietic cells to regeneration after injury and endocrine mechanisms underlying the stem
cell theory of aging. Other chapters cover stem cells by organ or system including pituitary
cardiac epithelial teeth lung ovary prostate liver and many more. Importantly the
authors of the chapters have not only summarized their successes but have also summarized some
of the difficulties that each particular field is still facing with respect to maximizing the
utility of stem cells in clinical settings. Collectively they impart both the excitement and
challenges facing stem cell utilization for repair and regeneration making this book essential
reading for those involved in stem cell research as well as those involved in clinical assays.
