oa Editorial [Hot topic: Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ASCs)(Guest Editor: Rei Ogawa)]

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been studied widely since the publication in 2001 of the first report on this type of stem cells. Since then, knowledge on their characterization, immunological characteristics, and potential of multilineage differentiation has been accumulating dramatically. Many international medical conferences have selected ASCs as a main topic. In addition, the International Federation of Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS) has been extremely active in promoting the study and discussion of ASCs internationally. However, there are no publications on ASCs that used a structured approach. Thus, we have dedicated a special issue of the journal “Current Stem Cell Research and Therapy” to “Adipose-Derived Stem Cells”. This special issue targeted the basic biology and potential role of ASCs for the treatment/regeneration of cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body, e.g., fat, bone, cartilage, skeletal muscle, skin, vessels, heart, nerve, tendons, periodontal tissue, vocal fold, liver, pancreas, and cornea. Induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have received much attention recently; however, I believe that ASCs retain great advantages, such as their accessibility, manageability, and safety. Several companies have targeted their products on ASCs. In addition, clinical applications of ASCs are underway worldwide and their effects are now being reported. I am happy that internationally renowned clinical/basic scientists have joined this book and reviewed the most recent advances in adipose-tissue biology, current strategy of tissue regeneration, and future perspectives. I hope that this special issue will bring together basic scientists and clinicians in different countries and contribute to the development of stem-cell research. Finally, I would like to thank Ms Shabana Seemee at Bentham Science Publishers for her tremendous help, whihc was essential for the completion of this special issue.