Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine: Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells, Volume 2

98 Pages·2008·7.33 MB·English

by  Phillippe Taupin

S C R
TEM ELLS AND EGENERATIVE
M , V II:
EDICINE OLUME
EMBRYONIC AND ADULT STEM CELLS

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S C R
TEM ELLS AND EGENERATIVE
M , V II:
EDICINE OLUME
E A S C
MBRYONIC AND DULT TEM ELLS

PHILIPPE TAUPIN

Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
New York
Copyright © 2008 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Taupin, Philippe.
Stem cells and regenerative medicine / Philippe Taupin.
p. ; cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-61668-579-9 (E-Book)
1. Stem cells. 2. Regeneration (Biology) I. Title.
[DNLM: 1. Stem Cells. 2. Regenerative Medicine. QU 325 T227s 2008]
QH588.S83.T38 2008
616'.02774--dc22
2008004342

Published by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. (cid:17) New York
Contents

Introduction vii
Chapter 1 Derivation of Embryonic Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy:
Challenges and New Strategies 1
Chapter 2 Neural Progenitor and Stem Cells in the Adult Central Nervous
System 9
Chapter 3 Adult Neural Stem Cells, Neurogenic Niches and Cellular Therapy 23
Chapter 4 Adult Neural Stem Cells and Their Niches: Developmental and
Therapeutic Implications 37
Chapter 5 Potential of Adult Neural Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy 45
Chapter 6 Autologous Transplantation in the Central Nervous System 55
Chapter 7 Neural Stem Cell-Based Cancer Therapy and Brain Tumor
Stem Cells 63
Chapter 8 Genetically Modified Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy 71
Index 79

Introduction

Stem cells are the building blocks of the body. They can develop into any of the cells that
make up our bodies. Every single cell of the body “stems” from this type of cell at the origin
of their name. Stem cells are self-renewing undifferentiated cells that produce multiple types
of specialized cells of the body [1]. Stem cells are present in embryonic, fetal and adult
tissues. During development, stem cells form from the tissues. In the adult, stem cells
contribute to homeostasis of the tissues and regeneration after injuries. Until recently, it was
believed that the adult mammalian brain was devoid of stem cells, hence unable to make new
neurons and regenerate [2]. With the recent evidence and confirmation that neurogenesis
occurs in the adult brain and neural stem cells (NSCs) residing in the adult central nervous
system (CNS) in mammals, including in humans, the adult brain has the potential to
regenerate and may be amenable to repair [3, 4].
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are self-renewing pluripotent cells. They are
undifferentiated cells that generate all the cell types of the body [5]. As such, they hold the
potential to cure a broad range of diseases and injuries, ranging from diabetes, liver and heart
diseases, to neurological diseases. In contrast, adult stem cells are multipotents; they generate
lineage specific cell types restricted to the tissues in which they reside. Recent studies reveal
that adult stem cells may have a broader potential than originally thought [6]. The broader
potential of adult stem cells has tremendous consequences for cellular therapy. Stem cells live
in specialized microenvironments or “niches” that regulate their activity [7]. The environment
or niches in which stem cells reside may hold the key to the developmental potential of adult
stem cells.
Because of their potential, stem cells carry a lot of hope for the treatment of a broad
range of diseases and injuries, spanning from cancers, diabetes, genetic diseases, graft-
versus-host disease, eye, heart and liver diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, to
neurological diseases and injuries, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s diseases, and spinal cord injuries. Cancer may also be a stem cell disease [8].
Hence, stem cell research is as important for our understanding the physio- and pathology of
the body, as for development and therapy, including for the CNS.
Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in stem cell research; the
derivation of ESCs from human blastocysts [9], the development of somatic cell nuclear
transfer technology [10] and the confirmation that neurogenesis occurs in the adult
viii Philippe Taupin
mammalian brain, including in humans [4]. These advances have contributed to bringing
stem cell research closer to therapy. However, there are scientific and technical challenges
lying ahead, and decades may pass before this research translates into therapy.
These three freestanding volumes of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine aim at
providing an overview and in-depth analysis of recent developments in stem cell research and
therapy. They are composed of recently published review articles, reports, commentaries and
letters to Editors, relating to these developments. Each of them focuses on a specific subject
of stem cell biology, spanning from basic science to clinical, pharmacological, ethical and
commercial aspects of stem cell research. These manuscripts went through a peer-review
process.
Volume I, Adult Neurogenesis and Neural Stem Cells, provides an overview and in-
depth analysis of the new field of stem cell research that is the generation of new neuronal
cells and the existence of stem cells, in the adult brain of mammals. These discoveries have
forced us to re-think and re-evaluate how the brain is functioning, and reveal that the adult
brain has the potential for self-repair. This volume covers the basic science of adult
neurogenesis and neural stem cell research, from the origin, mechanisms, function, and the
therapeutic potential of adult NSCs.
Volume II, Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells, provides an analysis of various types of
stem cells and their therapeutic potential. It concentrates particularly on embryonic and
neural stem cells. This volume covers the broader potential of adult stem cells; its biology,
significance and potential for therapy. This volume also describes the potential of stem cells
for autologous transplantation, the stem cell theory of carcinogenesis, particularly the
existence of brain tumor stem cells, and the therapeutic potential of gene therapy for cell-
based therapy.
Volume III, Pharmacology and Therapy, addresses developments in basic science,
translational and clinical research that are underway to bring stem cell research to therapy,
particularly for the treatment of Batten’s diseases, graft-versus-host disease and adenosine
deaminase deficiency. This volume covers the importance of stem cell research for the
understanding of drug activities and design. It also addresses the ethical issues and
constraints involved in stem cell research, and its commercial applications.

References

[1] Potten CS, Loeffler M. (1990) Stem cells: attributes, cycles, spirals, pitfalls and
uncertainties. Lessons for and from the crypt. Development. 110, 1001-20.
[2] Rakic P. (1985) Limits of neurogenesis in primates. Science. 227, 1054-6.
[3] Kaplan MS. (2001) Environment complexity stimulates visual cortex neurogenesis:
death of a dogma and a research career. Trends Neurosci. 24, 617-20.
[4] Eriksson PS, Perfilieva E, Bjork-Eriksson T, Alborn AM, Nordborg C, Peterson DA,
Gage FH. (1998) Neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus. Nat Med. 4, 1313-7.
[5] Wobus AM, Boheler KR. (2005) Embryonic stem cells: prospects for developmental
biology and cell therapy. Physiol Rev. 85, 635-78.