Neural Cell News Volume 10.05 | Feb 10 2016

Hdac3 Interaction with p300 Histone Acetyltransferase Regulates the Oligodendrocyte and Astrocyte Lineage Fate Switch
Researchers showed that the histone deacetylase Hdac3 controls oligodendrocyte-specification gene Olig2 expression and functions as a molecular switch for oligodendrocyte and astrocyte lineage determination. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Systems Genetics Analysis of a Recombinant Inbred Mouse Cell Culture Panel Reveals Wnt Pathway Member Lrp6 as a Regulator of Adult Hippocampal Precursor Cell Proliferation
Scientists aimed at marrying the power of the BXD panel, a mouse genetic reference population, with the flexibility of a cell culture model of adult neural precursor proliferation and differentiation. [Stem Cells] Abstract

MicroRNA-145 Regulates Neural Stem Cell Differentiation through the Sox2–Lin28/Let-7 Signaling Pathway
The authors investigated the precise role of microRNA (miR)-145 in neural stem cell fate decision, and the possible involvement of the Sox2–Lin28/let-7 signaling pathway in miR-145 regulatory network. [Stem Cells] Abstract

BKM-120 (Buparlisib): A Phosphatidyl-Inositol-3 Kinase Inhibitor with Anti-Invasive Properties in Glioblastoma
Investigators observed that BKM-120 has potent anti-invasive effects in glioblastoma cell lines and patient-derived glioma cells in vitro. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Transcriptional Comparison of Human Induced and Primary Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons
Researchers optimized a protocol to efficiently generate induced dopaminergic (iDA) neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). They then sequenced the transcriptomes of iDA neurons derived from six different hPSC lines and compared them to that of primary midbrain neurons. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Transplantation of Neural Progenitor Cells in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Investigators tested whether transplanted neural progenitor cells can also improve functional recovery after chronic spinal cord injury alone or in combination with the reduction of glial scar and neurotrophic support. [Neuroscience] Abstract

Mifepristone-Inducible Transgene Expression in Neural Progenitor Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Scientists described the production of a mifepristone-inducible vector system for regulated expression of transgenes within the central nervous system. The inducible system used a lentivirus-based vector platform for the ex vivo production of mifepristone-inducible murine neural progenitor cells that express transgenes of interest. [Gene Ther] Abstract

Morphine Inhibited the Rat Neural Stem Cell Proliferation Rate by Increasing Neuro Steroid Genesis
To address the potent modulatory effect of morphine on neural multipotent precursors with emphasis on endogenous sex-related neurosteroids biosynthesis, the authors primed rat neural stem cells isolated from embryonic rat telencephalon to various concentrations of morphine including 10, 20, 50 and 100 µM alone or in combination with naloxone over period of 72 hours. [Neurochem Res] Abstract

Microglia: A Unique Versatile Cell in the Central Nervous System
The authors highlight the latest advance in the understanding of the nature of microglia in the central nervous system, from their origin to both the physiological and pathological roles throughout their whole life. [ACS Chem Neurosci] Abstract

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DNAtrix’s Oncolytic Immunotherapy, DNX-2401, Awarded EU Orphan Medicine Designation for Treating Malignant Brain Tumors
DNAtrix announced that its lead product, DNX-2401, has been designated by the European Commission as an orphan medicinal product for the treatment of glioma. [DNAtrix] Press Release

Amarantus Receives Orphan Drug Designation from the US FDA for Eltoprazine in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia
Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc. announced that it has received orphan drug designation from the US FDA for Eltoprazine in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia. [Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc.] Press Release

$1 Million Investment to Launch Grand Challenge to Develop a TDP43 Biomarker
The ALS Association, in partnership with ALS Finding a Cure, announced a Grand Challenge to generate a biomarker to track TDP43 aggregation. The successful team(s) with the most developed plan will receive up to a $1 million investment. [The ALS Association] Press Release

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