Stem Cells in Endocrinology

A critical review by prominent experts of both the cutting-edge of stem cell biology and the application of stem cells to endocrine diseases, including diabetes, infertility, and liver-associated metabolic disorders. The authors discuss current research to modify stem cells, develop an endocrine-like cell, and use adult bone marrow stem cells to treat autoimmune diseases, including endocrine-based autoimmune diseases. Topics of interest include a review of all stem cell subtypes and their characteristics, approaches to promoting endocrine development from stem cells, and evidence for endocrine cell function from stem cells. The authors also outline how best to develop preclinical studies that will determine the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies for endocrine disorders.

Basic Stem Cell Biology.- Embryonic Stem Cells.- Germ Line Stem Cells.- Umbilical Cord Stem Cells.- Differentiation Potential of Adult Stem Cells.- Growth Conditions for Primate vs Murine Embryonic Stem Cells.- Translational Research.- Islet Precursor Cells in Adult Pancreatic Islets.- Transcription Factor-Directed Differentiation of Stem Cells Along an Endocrine Lineage.- Generation of Islet-Like Structures From ES Cells.- The Therapeutic Potential of Liver Repopulation for Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders.- The Manipulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Bone Repair.- Spermatogenesis From Transplanted Spermatogenic Stem Cells.- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in the Treatment of Autoimmune Endocrine Disease.- Preclinical Trials for Stem Cell Therapy.