This volume describes the latest findings on transcriptional and translational regulation of stem cells. Both transcriptional activators and repressors have been shown to be crucial for the maintenance of the stem cell state. A key element of stem cell maintenance is repression of differentiation factors or developmental genes – achieved transcriptionally, epigenetically by the Polycomb complex, and post-transcriptionally by RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs. This volume takes two approaches to this topic – (1) illustrating the general principles outlined above through a series of different stem cell examples – embryonic, iPS and adult stem cells, and (2) describing several molecular families that have been shown to have roles in regulation of multiple stem cell populations.

This book provides a comprehensive review of the properties of various stem cell types, the mechanisms of their behaviors and their potential clinical application. Stem cells have a great capacity of self-renewal and differentiation. They represent new paradigms for disease treatment in the field of regenerative medicine since the day they were discovered. As stem cell research is complicated and making progress rapidly, it is important to have expertise in this field to share their views and perspectives. This book provides a wonderful platform for those who are interested in stem cells to learn from and communicate with experts. Particularly, it highlights the roles of stem cell based therapy for a variety of diseases. Furthermore, this book gives a detailed introduction to the great works related to stem cells in China. The readers could gain a profound knowledge of the state-of-art research done by scientists in the field of stem cells. Overall, this book will be a valuable reference resource for both experienced investigators pursuing stem cell research as well as those are just entering into this field. Dr. Robert Chunhua Zhao, a Cheung Kong Professor of Stem Cell Biology, is Professor of Cell Biology at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China. He is Director of the Center for Tissue Engineering, PUMC and Chief Scientist of the National Basic Research Program of China (“973 Program”). He also serves as Regional Editor of Stem Cells and Development.

Transcription and Translation in Health and Disease provides a detailed overview of the regulators underlying transcription and translation in relation to a variety of human diseases and disorders. Beginning with an introduction into the current perspectives relating to these processes in human disease, the book expands to focus on specific mechanisms underlying conditions such as arthritis, cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This book considers RNA processing and related mechanisms in eukaryotes including RNA splicing, RNA binding proteins, RNA interference, microRNAs, RNA editing, transcription factors, RNAi screening, CRISPR activation, CRISPR-Cas9 interference, and post-translational modifications. It provides a structured and detailed overview of the various regulators underlying molecular processes and their impact on health and disease, equipping readers with the necessary knowledge for further investigation in the areas of treatment and therapeutic intervention. - Discusses the role played by transcription and translational regulation in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological disease - Considers a range of post-transcriptional regulators, including RNA-binding proteins, non-coding RNAs, epigenetic modifiers, alternative splicing and telomerase-binding proteins - Covers the topic from fundamental knowledge to the latest developments in clinical application - Includes a section dedicated to therapeutic applications

"Computational biology in combination with large-scale biology has played a critical role in exploring the great potentials of embryonic stem cells, resulting in significant discoveries. This e-book brings together reviews and essays from different aspects"

Recent developments of experimental techniques in cellular and molecular biology have made it possible to understand the molecular biology of male gametogenesis in greater detail. This book focuses on the description of specialized proteins, which are dominantly and/or specifically expressed in germ cells and localized in spermatozoa. There is an urgent need to classify proteins of spermatogenic cells with a view of their functions, and their applications in the regulation of fertility and in understanding infertility. The understanding of structural properties of male germ cell specific proteins can offer vulnerable points for targeted intervention in testis without generalized effects on stages of spermatogenesis. Besides targeted action in male germ cells, sperm specific proteins and polypeptides may also offer potential application in the development of a contraceptive vaccine.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are evolutionarily conserved in all eukaryotes and allow cells to respond to changes in the physical and chemical properties of the environment and to produce an appropriate response by altering many cellular functions. MAPKs are among the most intensively studied signal transduction systems. MAPK research is a very dynamic field in which new perspectives are continuously opening to the scientific community. Importantly, many MAPK inhibitors have been developed during the last years and are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical assays for inflammatory diseases and cancer treatment. In this research topic, we have gathered 14 papers covering recent advances in different aspects of the MAPK research area that have provided valuable insight into the spatiotemporal dynamics, the regulation and functions of MAPK pathways, as well as their therapeutic potential. We hope that this Research Topic helps readers to have a better understanding of the progresses that have been made recently in the field of MAPK signalling. A deeper understanding of the these pathways will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.

This work encapsulates the uses of miRNA across stem cells, developmental biology, tissue injury and tissue regeneration. In particular contributors provide focused coverage of methodologies, intervention and tissue engineering. Regulating virtually all biological processes, the genome's 1048 encoded microRNAs appear to hold considerable promise for the potential repair and regeneration of tissues and organs in future therapies. In this work, 50 experts address key topics of this fast-emerging field. Concisely summarizing and evaluating key findings emerging from fundamental research into translational application, they point to the current and future significance of clinical research in the miRNA area. Coverage encompasses all major aspects of fundamental stem cell and developmental biology, including the uses of miRNA across repair and regeneration, and special coverage of methodologies and interventions as they point towards organ and tissue engineering - Multi-colour text layout with 150 colour figures to illustrate important findings - Take home messages encapsulate key lessons throughout text - Short chapters offer focused discussion and clear 'voice'

This book, which results from the dramatic increase in interest in the control mechanism employed in gene expression and the importance of the regulated proteins, presents new information not covered in Translational Regulation of Gene Expression, which was published in 1987. It is not a revision of the earlier book but, rather, an extension of that volume witl, special emphasis on mecha nIsm. As the reader will discover, there is enormous diversity in the systems employing genes for translational regulation in order to regulate the appearance of the final product-the protein. Thus, we find that important proteins such as protooncogenes, growth factors, stress proteins, cytokines, lymphokines, iron storage and iron-uptake proteins, and a panorama of prokaryotic proteins, as well as eukaryotic viral proteins, are translationally regulated. Since for some gene products the degree of control is greater by a few orders of magnitude than their transcription, we can state that for these genes, at least, the expression is translationall y controlled. Translational regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes has emerged in the last few years as a major research field. The present book describes mechanisms of translational regulation in bacteria, yeast, and eukaryotic viruses, as well as in eukaryotic genes. In this book we try to provide in-depth coverage by including important examples from each group rather than systematically including all additional systems not described in the previous volume.

Experts in the field of cellular biology have shown that the reactivation of pluripotency inherent in all cells can allow us to reprogram cells into a specific cell line. This reprogramming paradigm is steadily enhancing our understanding of cell differentiation processes and cellular identity. Consequently, new prospects for cellular therapies of diseases and in vivo regeneration have risen. Stem Cells Between Regeneration and Tumorigenesis focuses on organ specific molecular pathways that trigger two opposite ways that a stem cell can grow (regeneration and neoplasia). Chapters provide a balanced set of information about tissue regeneration and tumorigenesis in several tissues and biological systems (the nervous, circulatory, oral, skin, digestive and endocrine systems). Additional reviews of the immunological role in regulating the two stem cell growth processes and the role of genomics and proteomics in understanding these processes round up the contents of this monograph. Readers of this book will gain the following key benefits: -an insight into the complexity and controversy surrounding the established dual stem cell behavior paradigm (regeneration versus tumorigenesis) -an understanding of the intricate cellular processes such as stem cells maintenance -background knowledge of optimizing tailored therapy in personalized and regenerative medicine Stem Cells Between Regeneration and Tumorigenesis is a useful resource for advanced graduates and researchers undertaking courses in molecular biology and personalized medicine, as well as interns involved in stem cell research programs.