This extensive volume explores areas of intense activity related to the very early commitment of stem cells to particular lineages and the progression of differentiation to mature cell stages. Research on embryonic stem cells continues to move very quickly, thus the kinds of studies continue to expand and diversify, and methodologies are continuously being refined and improved, which this book reflects. Written in the highly successfulMethods in Molecular Biologyseries format, chapters include introductions on 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.Comprehensive and fully updated,Embryonic Stem Cell Protocols, Third Editionserves as an ideal reference for researchers investigating this rich area of study.