Foreword

Crucial findings in research and clinical application results have proved stem cell to be endowed with dual characteristics, on one hand exploited for beneficial regeneration processes and source of uncontrolled tumoral proliferation, on the other.

Statistics predicts that there will be over 20 million new cancer cases worldwide by the end of 2014, because the incidence of major cancers and population growth are steadily increasing. Hence we will be facing 56% more cancer cases diagnosed in 2030 in comparison to 2012 [1, 2].

In contrast to cancer world-wide statistics, where there are clear and accurate statistics, the figures for tissue regeneration domain are more on the economic side. Therefore the global tissue engineering and regeneration market is estimated to $20.8 billion in 2014 and will triple in 2019 [3].

In this global image of human diseases, stem cells are walking a thin thread, balancing two competing ideas: one is stem cell as main tumorigenesis player and the other is stem cells as the crucial regeneration trigger. Between these two sides of the barricade stands the book that I am kindly inviting you to decipher.

Almost all of the chapters are elaborating on issues that stem cells are endowed with. Preserving the genetic information and retaining the proliferative potential of the tissue in which these cells reside are sustained by their capacity to self-renew and the ability to differentiate into different cell types. Stem cells have a long life span, slow cycling, but their quiescence may turn into high proliferation ability when exposed to certain stimuli. Various factors, including the ones resident in their niche can influence the fate of stem cells.

You will discover the latest up-dates in hematopoietic stem cells, cancer stem cells in oral pathology, stem cells that are involved in skin’s regeneration and tumorigenesis, in neurodegeneration and brain tumours, in endocrine pathology, how the immune system controls stem cells, the proteomics behind these cells and the latest technologies involved in stem cells identification.

The book raises its voice in the chorus of publications that would enhance the information regarding stem cells development as therapy approaches in precision medicine.