„The book could be used effectively by experienced or novice researchers in the field since the protocols are written clearly and concisely. There are 35 brief chapters in this book by over 80 authors who are experienced and knowledgeable researchers in the field... Among the many experimental protocols described in this book are methods for isolating, culturing, and establishing ES cells from a variety of experimental animals. The protocols are written clearly and should serve as a useful laboratory resource for anyone wishing to learn how to culture ES cells and/or apply the specialized techniques for studying them. There is an adequate index. This book is intended and written as a laboratory guide manual. It would be quite useful for anyone doing bench research on ES cells.“ -Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal

„... this book provides a good overview of work being done in the development of protocols for culture, controlled differentiation and manipulation of ES cells“ - Newsletter of the British Society of Developmental Biology

„Embryonic Stem Cells Methods and Protocols is one of the most useful books I have ever read in this field, and the awesome note at he end of each chapter makes it a great work. It represents good value for money and should be useful as a reference book.“ - Cell Biology International

„... a valuable collection of up-to-date protocols written by leading experts in the field. It is well written and clearly structured. The volume appears highly valuable for any scientist who wants to make a start in this exciting field but also for experienced ES cell researchers who want to widen their repertoire. In addition, the protocols involving hematopoietic, adipocyte and vascular differentiation could easily be adopted by diabetologists to promote our understanding of cell systems which are of special interest in diabetes research.“ - Diabetologia

„This book provides a very informative resource forany developmental or cell biologist with an interest in developments and prospects of ES cell research.“ -Molecular Biotechnology

Embryonic Stem Cells

Methods and Protocols

von Kursad Turksen

It is fair to say that embryonic stem (ES) cells have taken their place beside the human genome project as one of the most discussed biomedical issues of the day. It also seems certain that as this millennium unfolds we will see an increase in scientific and ethical debate about their potential utility in society. On the scientific front, it is clear that work on ES cells has already generated new possibilities and stimulated development of new strategies for increasing our und- standing of cell lineages and differentiation. It is not naïve to think that, within a decade or so, our overall understanding of stem cell biology will be as revolutionized as it was when the pioneering hemopoietic stem cell studies of Till and McCulloch in Toronto captured our imaginations in 1961. With it will come better methods for ES and lineage-specific stem cell identification, maintenance, and controlled fate selection. Clearly, ES cell models are already providing opportunities for the est- lishment of limitless sources of specific cell populations. In recognition of the gr- ing excitement and potential of ES cells as models for both the advancement of basic science and future clinical applications, I felt it timely to edit this collection of pro- cols (Embryonic Stem Cells) in which forefront investigators would provide detailed methods for use of ES cells to study various lineages and tissue types.