Stem Cell and Gene-Based Therapy

Regenerative medicine promises to be one of the great future frontiers. Critical to the success of this area is stem cell research, and cell- and gene-based therapy. In this book, a variety of outstanding authors discuss important aspects of these research areas. Important topics include new types of cell therapies and stem cell-based therapy for angiogenesis and cardiac repair. They also include cell-therapy approaches in neu- logic areas such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. A third area that is explored involves the development of cell-based systems for cartilage and bone repair, bladder repair, and kidney regeneration. A fourth area involves important work in the eye, specifically, optic nerve regeneration, retinal repair, and ocular surface regene- tion. The potential of using insulin-producing cells or islets is also examined in this book, as are strategies for cord blood transplantation for various hematologic disorders. Finally, important areas of research involving skin regeneration and wound healing are discussed. This book should provide an excellent overview of the important areas in regenerative medicine with respect to cell and gene therapy and hopefully will be a u- ful guide for scientists doing research in these areas.

Regenerative medicine - stem cell and gene-based therapy - provides a new clinical approach for restoring function of damaged organs and tissues. There has been incredible progress in experimental strategies for tissue regeneration, particularly in cell transplantation and stem cell research. These have led to potential treatment options for many otherwise fatal conditions, including end-stage organ failure. Cell therapy and tissue engineering of viable grafts could therefore provide prospective new solutions to the serious problems of organ donor shortage.

Stem Cell and Gene-Based Therapy: Frontiers in Regenerative Medicine is written by the leading figures in the field of stem cells, gene therapy and tissue engineering and covers the major approaches to regenerative medicine, ensuring that techniques learnt in one discipline are disseminated across other areas of medicine. This allows practitioners to gain knowledge not only of how regenerative medicine applies to their own discipline directly but also how it will benefit their patients in the years to come. Consequently, the multidisciplinary nature of the book appeals to students, scientists and clinicians from a wide spectrum of disciplines, including cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and dermatology.