River Publishers Series in Biotechnology and Medical Research

The Stem Cell Microenvironment and its Role in Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Pathogenesis

Editors:
Cristian Pablo Pennisi, Aalborg University, Denmark
Mayuri Sinha Prasad, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA
Pranela Rameshwar, Rutgers University, USA

Authors:
Integrative Regenerative Medicine Centre, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden, Department of Eye Burns, Ophthalmic Reconstructive Surgery, Keratoplasty & Keratoprosthesis, Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy, Odessa, Ukraine


How stem cells behave is very much a factor of their local microenvironment, also known as the stem cell niche. Physical, chemical, or electrical signals from the neighboring cells or biochemical signals from distant cells are crucial in the cell fate decision process. A major challenge of tissue engineering is to mimic the natural cell environment by designing very sophisticated scaffolds able not only to mechanically support cells, but also to release signals biologically relevant for governing stem cell fate. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal interaction of stem cells with their niche is responsible for altered cell function leading to malignant transformation.

This book discusses some of the recent advances in stem cell research that may help understanding the properties of the niche that govern stem cell fate. Technical topics discussed include:
  • Stem cell biology
  • Cancer stem cells
  • Stem cell interactions with biomaterials
  • Engineering the stem cell microenvironment
  • Stem cells in tissue regeneration and repair

The Disputationes Workshop series is an international initiative aimed at disseminating stem cell related cutting edge knowledge among scientists, healthcare workers, students and policy makers. This book emerges as a result of the scientific contributions presented and discussed during the fifth Disputationes Workshop held in Aalborg (Denmark) in April 2014. The stem cell microenvironment and its role in regenerative medicine and cancer pathogenesis is ideal for academic staff and master/research students in biomedical and health sciences
Mesenchymal stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, cancer stem cells, cardiovascular disease, corneal regeneration, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, breast cancer, glioblastoma, invasion, pathotropism, heterogeneity, bioactive surfaces, microtopography, mechanical cues, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, hydrogels, nanoparticles

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