Organ regeneration, once unknown in adult mammals, is at the threshold of maturity as a clinical method for restoration of organ function in humans. Several laboratories around the world are engaged in the development of new tools such as stem cells and biologically active scaffolds. Others are taking fresh looks at well-known clinical problems of replacement of a large variety of organs: Bone, skin, the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, articular cartilage, the conjunctiva, heart valves and urologic organs. Still other investigators are working out the mechanistic pathways of regeneration and the theoretical implications of growing back organs in an adult. The time has come to present a collection of these efforts from leading practitioners in the field of organ regeneration.

This review series covers trends in modern biotechnology All aspects of this interdisciplinary technology, where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science, are treated Electronic version available at: springerlink.com

Inhalt

1. I.V. Yannas: Facts and Theories of Induced Organ Regeneration.- 2. A.L. Mescher, A.W. Neff: Regenerative Capacity and the Developing Immune System.- 3. M.K. Call, P.A. Tsonis: Vertebrate Limb Regeneration.- 4. A.S. Colwell, M.T. Longaker, H.P. Lorenz: Mammalian Fetal Organ Regeneration.- 5. G.K. Michalopoulos, M.DeFrances: Liver Regeneration.- 6. D.L. Stocum: Stem Cells in CNS and Cardiac Regeneration.- 7. D.P. Orgill, C.E. Butler: Island Grafts: a Model for Studying Skin Regeneration in Isolation from Other Processes.