Human Stem Cell Manual: A Laboratory Guide

Stem cells are self-replicating and undifferentiated, meaning their function is not yet cell, tissue, or organ-specific. Due to the unique nature of these cells, research into their biology and function holds great promise for therapeutic applications through replacement or repair of diseased and damaged cells. This reader-friendly manual provides a practical "hands on" guide to the culture of human embryonic and somatic stem cells. By presenting methods for embryonic and adult lines side-by-side, the authors lay out an elegant and unique path to understanding the science of stem cell practice. The authors begin with a broad-based introduction to the field, and also review legal and regulatory issues and patents. Each experimental strategy is presented with an historical introduction, detailed method, discussion of alternative methods, and common pitfalls. This lab guide for researchers also serves as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory courses.

Suzanne Peterson received her doctoral degree from USC and immediately moved back to her home town of San Diego to pursue her Post-Doctoral work. A long-time member and the only native San Diegan of the Loring Laboratory at Scripps Research Institute, this summer Dr. Peterson followed her mentor Dr. Loring to Aspen Neuroscience and will serve as a senior scientist in the new founded lab. Her specialty is hematopoietic stem cells and she will continue to serve as co-editor of Human Stem Cell Manual: A Laboratory Guide with Dr. Jeanne Loring.

Jeanne Loring is a world renown stem cell biologist, developmental neurobiologist, and geneticist. Dr. Loring’s 3+ decades have spanned embryology and neurobiology, gene editing and stem cells, ultimately landing in regenerative medicine. Her decades of experience ranges from biotech, to pharma to bioscience and of course academia. She was the director for the Center for Regenerative Medicine and professor at Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA for 12+ years. In June 2019 she founded Aspen Neuroscience, in La Jolla, where she and her staff will continue her work in regenerative medicine for those with currently untreatable neurological diseases. Their first target is a patient-specific neuron replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease. She will continue as Professor Emeritus and remains on the faculty of Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Loring has received numerous awards and accolades, including the 2015 Stem Cell Action Advocacy Award and 2015 Stem Cell Person of the Year.