Improved healthcare has resulted in dramatic demographic changes in developed countries, causing an increase in the prevalence of diseases associated with aging. Many significant human diseases arising from the loss or dysfunction of specific cell types in the body, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and cancer, are becoming increasingly common.
Stem cell research and regenerative medicine offers unique opportunities for developing new therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat these debilitating and life-threatening diseases, and new ways to explore fundamental questions of biology. The current optimism over potential stem cell therapies is driven by new understandings of genetics and developmental biology. Gradually, the curative and regenerative potential that lies in harnessing stem cells is being realized.
Regenerative Medicine (ISSN: 1746-0751) provides a forum to address the important challenges and advances in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, delivering this essential information in concise, clear and attractive article formats – vital to an increasingly time-constrained community.
Coverage includes:
* Bench-to-bedside translation and scale-up of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies
* Potential applications for stem cell-based strategies in pathological conditions
* Stem cell pluripotency and emerging technologies
* Tissue engineering and artificial organ development
* Medical device and artificial organ development
* Regulatory and reimbursement issues
* Ethical and legal perspectives
Despite substantial developments in our knowledge and understanding of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, the field is in its infancy. The next few decades will unveil the true potential of this emerging specialty. Regenerative Medicine will provide a critical overview of these advances as they unfold and explore their potential relevance in the clinical setting.
