Neural Cell News Volume 9.26 | Jul 15 2015

Improving the Post-Stroke Therapeutic Potency of Mesenchymal Multipotent Stromal Cells by Cocultivation with Cortical Neurons: The Role of Crosstalk between Cells
The intercellular communications of mesenchymal multipotent stromal cells (MMSCs) and neuronal cells were studied in vitro. As a result of cocultivation of MMSCs and rat cortical neurons, scientists proved the existence of intercellular contacts providing transfer of cellular contents from one cell to another. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

Alpha-Synuclein Affects Neurite Morphology, Autophagy, Vesicle Transport and Axonal Degeneration in CNS Neurons
The authors examined the effects of overexpression of human wildtype alpha-synuclein (αSyn-WT), a protein associated with Parkinson disease, and its mutant variants αSyn-A30P and -A53T on neurite morphology and functional parameters in rat primary midbrain neurons. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

MicroRNA Profiling of Neurons Generated Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Patients with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder, and 22q11.2 Del
Investigators carried out microRNA expression profiling on neurons generated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from controls and schizophrenia patients with 22q11.2 del. [PLoS One] Full Article

MicroRNA-132 Aggravates Epileptiform Discharges via Suppression of BDNF/TrkB Signaling in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons
Investigators found a dramatic upregulation of microRNA-132 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA in the hippocampal neuronal culture model of status epilepticus obtained by Mg²⁺-free treatment. [Brain Res] Abstract

Cold-Inducible RNA-Binding Protein Inhibits Neuron Apoptosis through the Suppression of Mitochondrial Apoptosis
The authors investigated the molecular mechanisms by which cold-inducible RNA-binding protein protects the nervous system during mild hypothermia. Rat cortical neurons were isolated and cultured in vitro under mild hypothermia. [Brain Res] Abstract

NKCC1 Downregulation Induces Hyperpolarizing Shift of GABA Responsiveness at Near Term Fetal Stages in Rat Cultured Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp recordings were used to assess the developmental change in chloride homeostasis in rat cultured small dorsal root ganglion neurons at the embryonic day 16 and 19. [BMC Neurosci] Full Article

Rejuvenation of MPTP-Induced Human Neural Precursor Cell Senescence by Activating Autophagy
Researchers used 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to treat neural precursor cells derived from human embryonic stem cell line H9 and investigated related molecular mechanisms involved in this process. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

The Effects of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Linn) on the Cellular Events Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease in a Stably Expressed HFE Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cell Line
Treatment of H63D HFE cells either with okra or quercetin significantly decreased reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide, and protein oxidation compared to untreated cells. The levels of tau phosphorylation at serine-199, serine-202, and serine-396 sites were also significantly decreased when cells were treated with okra. [Neurosci Lett] Abstract

Stargazing: Monitoring Subcellular Dynamics of Brain Astrocytes
The authors focus on the complex subcellular anatomical features of protoplasmic gray matter astrocytes in the mature, healthy brain that likely empower these cells with the ability to detect and respond to changes in neuronal and synaptic activity. [Neuroscience] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the neural cell research field.

From our sponsor: Learn how to form and isolate neural rosettes more efficiently. Watch the video.

CANbridge Acquires License for Apogenix’s APG101 Onco-Immunotherapy in Glioblastoma for China
CANbridge Life Sciences has entered into an exclusive license agreement with privately-held immuno-oncology company, Apogenix, to develop, manufacture and commercialize Apogenix’s lead product, APG101, in glioblastoma multiforme in China, Macao, and Hong Kong, with options for other indications. [CANbridge Life Sciences (Business Wire)] Press Release

apceth and University of Cologne to Join Forces on Combination Cellular Immunotherapies for Cancer
apceth announced a broad partnership with the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, to combine technologies and expertise, on the development of immunotherapies for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. [apceth^®] Press Release

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Tocagen’s Toca 511 & Toca FC for Treatment of Recurrent High Grade Glioma
Tocagen Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to its lead immuno-oncology product, Toca 511 & Toca FC, for the treatment of recurrent high grade glioma, which includes glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. [Tocagen Inc.] Press Release

Cytokinetics and The ALS Association Announce Awarding of Grant for Phase III Clinical Trial and Biomarker Research Collaboration
Cytokinetics, Inc. and The ALS Association announced that the association has awarded Cytokinetics a $1.5 million grant to support the collection of clinical data and plasma samples to advance the discovery of biomarkers in ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in VITALITY-ALS, a Phase III clinical trial of tirasemtiv in patients with ALS. [The ALS Association] Press Release

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Awards $7 Million to Reveal Biology of Alzheimer’s Disease
The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation announced the award of Allen Distinguished Investigator grants to five teams of researchers with projects that will open new and innovative avenues of research in Alzheimer’s disease by uncovering its elusive biological roots. The projects are funded at a total of $7 million over three years. [The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation] Press Release

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the neural cell community.

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Neural Development and Cancer (Columbia University)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Assistant Professor – Neurodegenerative Diseases (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

PhD Student – Biology of Brain Metastasis (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Neural Development and Function (Mayo Clinic)

Junior Research Group for Neuroscientists (Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience)

Aotearoa Foundation Neuroscience Fellowship (University of Auckland)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Neural Stem Cells (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)

Postdoctoral Position – Neuroplacentology (Children’s National Medical Center)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 60,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.