Neural Cell News Volume 11.16 | Apr 26 2017

TOP STORY

Scientists Assemble Working Human Forebrain Circuits in a Lab Dish

Researchers watched stem-cell-derived nerve cells that arose in a specific region of the human brain migrate into another brain region. They saw the migrating nerve cells, or neurons, hook up with other neurons in the target region to form functioning circuits characteristic of the cerebral cortex. [Press release from Stanford Medicine discussing online prepublication in journal Nature] Press Release | Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Cell Diversity and Network Dynamics in Photosensitive Human Brain Organoids

Scientists analyzed gene expression in over 80,000 individual cells isolated from 31 human brain organoids. They found that organoids could generate a broad diversity of cells, which are related to endogenous classes, including cells from the cerebral cortex and the retina. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Neurons Secrete miR-132-Containing Exosomes to Regulate Brain Vascular Integrity

Using intact zebrafish larvae and cultured rodent brain cells, investigators found that neurons transfer microRNA (miR)-132, a highly conserved and neuron-enriched miR, via secreting exosomes to endothelial cells to maintain brain vascular integrity. [Cell Res] Full Article | Press Release

Netrin1 Produced by Neural Progenitors, Not Floor Plate Cells, Is Required for Axon Guidance in the Spinal Cord

Scientists used genetic approaches in mice to selectively remove netrin from different regions of the spinal cord. Their analyses showed that the floor plate was not the source of netrin1 directing axons to the ventral midline, while local ventricular zone-supplied netrin1 was required for this step. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

Lamin B1 Is Required for Mature Neuron-Specific Gene Expression during Olfactory Sensory Neuron Differentiation

The authors identified lamin B1 as a key regulator of gene expression required for the formation of functional olfactory sensory neurons. By using targeted knockout in olfactory epithelial stem cells in adult mice, they showed that lamin B1 deficient neurons exhibit attenuated response to odor stimulation. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Different Requirements of Functional Telomeres in Neural Stem Cells and Terminally Differentiated Neurons

Researchers examined the roles of telomeres at distinct stages of murine brain development by using lineage-specific genetic ablation of TRF2. They found that functional telomeres were required for embryonic and adult neurogenesis, but their uncapping had surprisingly no detectable consequences on terminally differentiated neurons. [Genes Dev] Abstract | Press Release

BGP-15 Prevents the Death of Neurons in a Mouse Model of Familial Dysautonomia

The authors previously generated an Ikbkap/Elp1 conditional-knockout mouse model that recapitulated the selective death of sensory (dorsal root ganglia) and autonomic neurons observed in familial dysautonomia. They showed that in these mice neuronal mitochondria have abnormal membrane potentials, produce elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, are fragmented, and do not aggregate normally at axonal branch points. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Hypoxia-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Stemness in Brain Tumor Cells

Investigators demonstrated the role of hypoxia-mediated epigenetic modifications in regulating expression of core pluripotency factors, OCT4 and NANOG, in glioma cells. They observed hypoxia-mediated induction of demethylases, ten-eleven-translocation (TET) 1 and 3, but not TET2 in their cell-line model. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Lsh/HELLS Regulates Self-Renewal/Proliferation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells

Researchers report a critical role for Lsh in murine neural development. Lsh depleted neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) displayed reduced growth, increased apoptosis and impaired ability of self-renewal. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated differential gene expression in Lsh^−/− NSPCs and suggests multiple aberrant pathways. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Cell Transplantation Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

The transplantation of Schwann cells, neural stem cells or progenitor cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mesenchymal stem cells has been investigated as potential therapies for spinal cord injury. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which these individual cell types promote repair and functional improvements. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Neurovascular-Neuroenergetic Coupling Axis in the Brain: Master Regulation by Nitric Oxide and Consequences in Aging and Neurodegeneration

Both activity-dependent increase of cerebral blood flow and O₂ and glucose utilization by active neural cells are inextricably linked, establishing a functional metabolic axis in the brain, the neurovascular-neuroenergetic coupling axis. This axis incorporates and links previously independent processes that need to be coordinated in the normal brain. The authors review evidence supporting the role of neuronal-derived nitric oxide as the master regulator of this axis. [Free Radic Biol Med] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Application of Advanced Preclinical Models and Methods in Anesthetic Neurotoxicity Research

Investigators discuss how the application of advanced research approaches and models, such as the nonhuman primate, neural stem cell-derived organotypic slice cultures and/or organs-on-chips systems, can serve as translational models of infantile anesthetic exposure. [Neurotoxicol Teratol] Abstract

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PROMETRIKA to Present Poster on Angelman Syndrome Natural History Study Results

PROMETRIKA will present initial findings from a Natural History Study of Angelman Syndrome. The poster presentation is based on research performed in collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital and will be the first time a longitudinal analysis of this rich data set has been shared. [Press release from PROMETRIKA, LLC. (Business Wire, Inc.) discussing research to be presented at the 2017 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, Boston] Press Release

Impax to Present Data on Rytary^® (Carbidopa and Levodopa) Extended-Release Capsules, Zomig^® (Zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray and Investigational Drug IPX203

Impax Laboratories, Inc. announced that it will be presenting data from the company’s neurology clinical development programs, including data from a single-dose Phase IIa study on investigational drug IPX203 in patients with advanced Parkinson’s Disease in the Emerging Science Program. [Press release from Impax Laboratories, Inc. discussing research to be presented at the 2017 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, Boston] Press Release

Neurocrine Announces INGREZZA™ Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Data to be Presented

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. announced that long-term safety and efficacy data from the KINECT 3 Phase III extension study of INGREZZA™ capsules for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia will be presented as a platform presentation. [Press release from Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. discussing research to be presented at the 2017 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, Boston] Press Release

MT Pharma America to Present Data on Investigational Edaravone and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

MT Pharma America, Inc. announced it will present four abstracts. Presentations include data evaluating investigational edaravone as well as an analysis evaluating clinically relevant symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis prior to diagnosis. [Press release from MT Pharma America, Inc. discussing research to be presented at the 2017 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, Boston] Press Release

DelMar Pharmaceuticals Collaborates with Duke University to Explore VAL-083 as a Front-Line Treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme

DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has entered into a three-year collaboration with Duke University to evaluate VAL-083, the company’s platform compound, as a front-line treatment for newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma multiforme. [DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Behnam Badie Awarded $2.1 Million R01 Grant to Help Patients with Aggressive Brain Tumors

Behnam Badie, M.D., was recently awarded a renewal of his R01 grant for an additional $2.1 million. The highly competitive grant will help Badie look further into RAGE and the tumor’s microenvironment. [City of Hope] Press Release

International Stem Cell Corporation Completes First Cohort in Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Trial

International Stem Cell Corporation announced that the fourth (and final) patient in the first cohort of the clinical trial for Parkinson’s Disease was successfully transplanted with ISC-hpNSC^® cells. [International Stem Cell Corporation] Press Release

California’s $3-Billion Bet on Stem Cells Faces Final Test

When California voters approved US$3 billion in funding for stem-cell research in 2004, biologists flocked to the state, and citizens dreamed of cures for Parkinson’s disease and spinal-cord injuries. Now, the pot of money — one of the biggest state investments in science — is running dry before treatments have emerged, raising questions about whether Californians will pour billions more into stem-cell research. [Nature News] Editorial

NSF’s Uphill Road to Making Prestigious Early Career Award More Diverse

Only five women have won the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) annual Alan T. Waterman Award in its 41-year history, and no woman of color has ever been selected. The 2017 winners announced this month mark the 13^th year in a row that the $1 million research prize has gone to a man (two, actually, including the second black scientist ever chosen.) [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Protein Aggregation in Health and Disease
June 11-16, 2017
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NEW Career Position – Neural Aging (University of Innsbruck)

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Neuroscience and Imaging (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

Director – BrainHub (Carnegie Mellon University)

Postdoctoral Position(s) – Developmental Neurobiology (Children’s National Health Systems)

Postdoctoral Position(s) – Visual Neuroscience (Yale University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Spinal Cord Injury Repair (Burke Medical Research Institute Cornell)

Associate/Full Professor – Regenerative Medicine (University of Florida)

Postdoctoral Fellow/Experienced Scientist – Stem Cells and Epigenetics (University of Michigan)

Assistant/Associate Professor – Canada Research Chair in Mental Health (University of Alberta)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Developmental Neuroscience (University of Nebraska Medical Center)

PhD Student and Postdoctoral Positions – Molecular and Cellular Biology/Systems Biology/Neurobiology (University of Fribourg)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Stem Cell Differentiation (University of Oklahoma)

Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell Technology/Neuroscience/Drug Discovery (University of California Davis)

Neuroscientist – Precision Neurotherapeutics (University of California Davis)

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