Neural Stem Cells

Although there has been an explosion of interest and technology in the study of neural stem cells, many questions related to stem cell properties and neural stem cell lineage and differentiation still linger.  Neural Stem Cells, 2nd Edition revises and expands upon the successful first edition in order to provide the most current, cutting-edge methods of today for the scientists working to answer these questions.  The use of these step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols will allow investigators to produce pure populations that can serve as a means of understanding the biology of neural stem cells and adapting them for transplantation into disease models.  In addition to the topics covered in the first edition, this new volume provides recently developed alternative methods for both human and rodent NSCs, along with chapters on karyotyping, migration, apoptosis, and NSC markers. Following the Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each chapter has an extended introduction for background, a list of necessary materials, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Comprehensive and current, Neural Stem Cells, 2nd Edition is an excellent source of information and inspiration for scientists longing to use these powerful cells against neurogenetic and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Gene expression studies
• NSC
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Neurogenetic diseases
• PCR
• Telomere
• Transplantation
• cell lines
• cryopreservation
• gene expression
• genes
• molecular biology
• neurons
• phenotype
• single-cell polymerase chain reaction

From the reviews of the second edition:

"Neural stem cells have been the focus of much research in an attempt to better understand the nature and behavior of these cells in vivo. … The purpose is to clarify research protocols in the investigation of neural stem cells. These worthy objectives are met. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neurosciences are the main audience. … This is a valuable acquisition for academic neuroscience, neurology, and neurosurgery libraries." (Celso Agner, Doody’s Review Service, June, 2008)

"Neural Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition, provides a comprehensive overview on cutting-edge methods for scientists working on questions related to neural stem-cell biology. … The volume outlines methods and protocols that allow investigating mechanisms, which regulate self-renewal, cell survival and differentiation of NSCs. A better understanding of these processes is of great importance for future successful applications of NSCs in neurodegenerative diseases and injuries." (S. Atanasoski, Schweizer Archiv für Neurologie und Psychiatrie, April, 2009)

• Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA

  Leslie P. Weiner

Policies and ethics