This book describes a global assessment of stem cell engineering research, achieved through site visits by a panel of experts to leading institutes, followed by dedicated workshops. The assessment made clear that engineers and the engineering approach with its quantitative, system-based thinking can contribute much to the progress of stem cell research and development. The increased need for complex computational models and new, innovative technologies, such as high-throughput screening techniques, organ-on-a-chip models and in vitro tumor models require an increasing involvement of engineers and physical scientists. Additionally, this book will show that although the US is still in a leadership position in stem cell engineering, Asian countries such as Japan, China and Korea, as well as European countries like the UK, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands are rapidly expanding their investments in the field. Strategic partnerships between countries could lead to major advances of the field and scalable expansion and differentiation of stem cells. This study was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Major depression is a highly prevalent disorder that poses a significant social burden in society nowadays. The pathophysiology of this disease is still poorly understood but growing evidence suggests that impaired neuron and glial plasticity may be a key underlying mechanism for the precipitation of the disorder. One of the most surprising findings in this field was the involvement of glial cells in the pathophysiology of major depression and in the action of antidepressants, namely in mechanisms related with adult neurogenesis imbalances or dendritic arborization impairments. In particular, several works refer to alterations in the morphology and numbers of astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes in the context of depression in human patients or animal models of depression. These observations were linked to functional evidences and suggested to underlie the pathophysiology of depression. Among others, these include impairments in the cross-talk between glia and neurons, changes in the level of neurotransmitter or immunoactive substances, myelination status, synapse formation, maintenance, or elimination. In addition to the implication of glia in the pathophysiology of depression, a number of studies is ascribing glia pathways to classically accepted antidepressant mechanisms. Therefore, it is noteworthy to elucidate the role of glia in the effect provided by antidepressant treatment in order to better understand secondary effects and elucidate alternative targets for treatment.

Extracellular and biofluids vesicles (EVs) are highly specialised yet ubiquitous nanoscale messengers secreted by cells. With the development of stem cell engineering, EVs promise to deliver next generation tools in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, as well as in diagnostics. A vibrant and promising field, this book provides the first resource to the field. Covering basic cell biology, including EV production and intracellular communication, this book will provide material scientists and engineers with a foundation to the necessary biology. The reader will then learn about the isolation of extracellular vesicles their physicochemical characterisation and therapeutic application of EVs in regenerative medicine as well as their potential as biomarkers in medical diagnostic. This book will also discuss the regulatory landscape of EVs. Bridging cell biology, biomaterials, biophysics and biomedical engineering the content of this book is written with a broad interdisciplinary audience in mind. Researchers, new and established will find this a must-have on their shelf.

This volume focuses on protein analysis covering a wide spectrum of the utility of mass spectrometry within neurobiological disciplines. The chapters in this book discuss label (iTRAQ, TMT, protein arrays) and label-free workflows (SWATH, MALDI Imaging, and label-free quantitation). Other chapters look at experimental strategies targeted to the identification and quantitation of specific lipids and post-translational modifications, as well as proteomic workflows that focus on characterization of subcellular proteomes. The last few chapters in the book describe various bioinformatics pipelines used to analyze the molecular data derived from high-throughput transcriptomic and proteomic experiments on brain tissue. The Neuromethods series offers chapters with key advice and procedure specifics to empower the readers to successfully achieve their own scientific and experimental goals. Thorough and comprehensive, Current Proteomic Approaches Applied to Brain Function is a valuable resource for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in neuroproteomics, as well as researchers looking for further insight into the growing field of mass spectrometry in neuroscience.

This volume focuses on protein analysis, including a wide range of the use of mass spectrometry and other protein methods within neurobiological disciplines. Chapters cover topics such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) processing and biobanking; label-free quantitative proteomics; SWATH; top-down proteomics; and experimental strategies based on other –omics applied to CSF metabolome, lipidome, and microRNAome. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Proteomics: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows interested in learning more about CSF proteotyping. It is also useful to established researchers seeking further insight into this growing field.

Blood science has become a cornerstone of multiple disciplines. This book, contributed to by leading experts in the field, provides a comprehensive resource of protocols for areas, pre-analytical through to analytical, of plasma and serum proteomics.

For over forty years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been scrutinized and studied, garnering much attention due to their broad therapeutic efficacy. In this essential book, leaders in the field were assembled to contribute detailed methodologies for the isolation and characterization of human and rodent MSCs. Cutting edge and easy to use, this book is the perfect resource for scientists attempting to pursue this important and ever-developing field of research.

This volume provides an overview of advanced fluorescence microscopy, covering a broad range of methods. Each chapter focuses on a different method and provides a practical guide for application in biological systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy: Methods and Protocols seeks to provide scientists with methods for biological systems that are of interest.