Stem Cell Mobilization Methods and Protocols

This book provides detailed state-of-the-art protocols for analyzing individual aspects of stem cell mobilization at the molecular and cellular level with contributions encompassing the most recent technological developments. Specifically, the volume covers cell adhesion and migration assays in three-dimensional models, imaging techniques for the determination of blood flow or hypoxic status, innovative biomechanical studies of stem cells, and assays to determine the involvement of proteases or complement factors, as well as other key topics. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. 

Evolution of Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.- In Vitro Dynamic Phenotyping for Testing Novel Mobilizing Agents.- Colony Formation: An Assay of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells.- Mobilization and Collection of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells in Adults: Focus on Timing and Benchmarking.- Transmigration Assays for the Determination of Molecular Interactions between Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Niche Cells.- Microfluidic Shear Force Assay to Determine Cell Adhesion Forces.- A Microcavity Array-Based 3D-Model System of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche.- Migration Assay for Leukemic Cells in a 3D Matrix toward a Chemoattractant.- Intravital Imaging of Blood Flow and HSPC Homing in Bone Marrow Microvessels.- Assessing Cellular Hypoxic Status In Situ within the Bone Marrow Microenvironment.- Analysis of Biomechanical Properties of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Using Real-Time Fluorescence and Deformability Cytometry.- Assessment of Proteolytic Activities in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment.- Analysis of the Complement Cascade Activation during Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells.- A Freezing Protocol for Hematopoietic Stem Cells.- Assessment of Young and Aged Hematopoietic Stem Cell Activity by Competitive Serial Transplantation Assays.- Zebrafish Xenografts for the In Vivo Analysis of Healthy and Malignant Human Hematopoietic Cells.- Statistical and Mathematical Modeling of Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Stem Cells.