| Summary: | In recent years our ability to understand and manipulate epidermal cells has increased tremendously, opening significant new possibilities in both basic science research and in regenerative medicine, including wound healing and transplantation. In Epidermal Cells: Methods and Protocols, a panel of experienced basic and clinical researchers describe in step-by-step detail the powerful methods they have developed and optimized to analyze and manipulate epidermal cell precursors and mature epidermal cells. These protocols cover different methods and models for culturing epidermal cells, for enriching very early epidermal progenitors, as well as for studying epidermal cell commitment and differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Topics of special interest include the derivation, characterization, and utility of epidermal stem cells, mature epidermal cells and their characterization, and applications in regenerative medicine. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, each one offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. State-of-the-art and highly practical, Epidermal Cells: Methods and Protocols offers experienced and novice investigators alike an invaluable collection of readily reproducible techniques designed to broaden not only our understanding of the biology of epidermal cells, but also their utility in normal tissue homeostasis and regenerative medicine applications.
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