Embryonic Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have significant potential in basic studies designed to better understand how different cells and tissues in the body are formed, as well as for generating unlimited numbers of cells for transplantation, drug delivery, and drug testing. In Embryonic Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols, Kursad Turksen and a panel of international experts describe their most productive methods for using ES cells as in vitro developmental models for many cell and tissue types. Set out in step-by-step detail by the investigators who developed them, these protocols range widely from ES cell isolation, maintenance, and modulation of gene expression, to cutting-edge techniques that use cDNA arrays in gene expression analysis and phage display libraries. There are also advanced techniques for the generation of antibodies against very rare antigens and for the identification and characterization of proteins and protein interactions. Additional studies of the ES cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as protocols for the use of ES cells to generate diverse cell and tissue types, complete this collection of readily reproducible methods. Many of the techniques have already been shown to have tremendous utility with ES cells and their differentiated progeny. Authoritative and state-of-the-art, this unique first collection of protocols for the study of ES cells, Embryonic Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols, will prove an invaluable resource not only for those generally interested in cell and developmental biology, but also for those actively using, or planning to use, ES cells to study fate choices and specific lineages.