Biology and Engineering of Stem Cell Niches

Biology and Engineering of Stem Cell Niches covers a wide spectrum of research and current knowledge on embryonic and adult stem cell niches, focusing on the understanding of stem cell niche molecules and signaling mechanisms, including cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions.

The book comprehensively reviews factors regulating stem cell behavior and the corresponding approaches for understanding the subsequent effect of providing the proper matrix molecules, mechanical cues, and/or chemical cues. It encompasses a variety of tools and techniques for developing biomaterials-based methods to model synthetic stem cell niches in vivo, or to enhance and direct stem cell fate in vitro.

A final section of the book discusses stem cell niche bioengineering strategies and current advances in each tissue type.

Includes the importance of Cell-Cell and Cell Matrix Interactions in each specific tissue and systemAuthored and edited by authorities in this emerging and multidisciplinary fieldIncludes valuable links to 5-10 minute YouTube© author videos that describe main points

Part I. Biology of Stem Cell Niches and Molecular Mechanisms 1. The Need to Study, Mimic, and Target Stem Cell Niches 2. Harnessing the Biology of Stem Cells' Niche 3. Pluripotent Stem Cell Microenvironment 4. Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Dynamics by Molecular Niche Signaling 5. HSC Niche: Regulation of Mobilization and Homing 6. Neuronal Stem Cell Niches of the Brain 7. Cardiovascular Stem Cell Niche 8. Intestinal Epithelial Lgr5+ Stem Cell Niche and Organoids 9. The Epithelial Stem Cell Niche in Skin 10. The Satellite Cell Niche in Skeletal Muscle 11. The Cancer Stem Cell Niche 12. Cellular Senescence and Stem Cell Niche

Part II. Biochemical and Physical Cues in The Stem Cell Niche Directing Cell Fate 13. Matrix Chemistry Controlling Stem Cell Behavior 14. Matrix Growth Factor and Surface Ligand Presentation 15. Effect of Matrix Mechanical Forces and Geometry on Stem Cell Behavior 16. Wettability Effect on Stem Cell Behavior 17. Fluid Flow Control of Stem Cells With Investigation of Mechanotransduction Pathways 18. Hypoxia Regulation of Stem Cell: Mechanisms, Biological Properties, and Applications

Part III. Designing Smart Biomaterials to Mimic and Control Stem Cell Niche 19. Polymer Design and Development 20. Design and Development of Ceramics and Glasses 21. Surface Functionalization of Biomaterials 22. Biofunctional Hydrogels for Three-Dimensional Stem Cell Culture 23. Technologies to Engineer Cell Substrate Mechanics in Hydrogels 24. Micro- and Nanosurface Patterning Technologies 25. Self-Assembled Nanostructures (SANs) 26. Biomimetic Nanofibers as Artificial Stem Cell Niche

Part IV. Bioengineering Strategies to Model Synthetic Stem Cell Niches 27. Employing Microfluidic Devices to Induce Concentration Gradients 28. Engineering Niches for Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells 29. Engineering Niches for Cardiovascular Tissue Regeneration 30. Engineering Niches for Blood Vessel Regeneration 31. Engineering Niches for Bone Tissue Regeneration 32. Engineering Vascular Niche for Bone Tissue Regeneration 33. Engineering Niches for Cartilage Tissue Regeneration 34. Engineering Niches for Stem and Progenitor Cell Differentiation Into Immune Cells 35. Engineering Niches for Skin and Wound Healing 36. Designing Stem Cell Niche for Liver Development and Regeneration 37. Engineering the Niche for Intestinal Regeneration