Neural Cell News Volume 11.41 | Oct 18 2017

TOP STORY

The Primate-Specific Gene TMEM14B Marks Outer Radial Glia Cells and Promotes Cortical Expansion and Folding

Through single-cell transcriptional profiling of sorted human neural progenitor (NP) subpopulations, investigators identified the primate-specific TMEM14B gene as a marker of basal radial glia. Expression of TMEM14B in embryonic NPs induced cortical thickening and gyrification in postnatal mice. [Cell Stem Cell] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

An RNA-Binding Protein, Qki5, Regulates Embryonic Neural Stem Cells through Pre-mRNA Processing in Cell Adhesion Signaling

Researchers identified one regulator, Quaking 5 (Qki5), as an RNA-binding protein that is expressed in early embryonic neural stem cells and subsequently down-regulated during neurogenesis. mRNA sequencing analysis in neural stem cell culture indicated that Qki proteins play supporting roles in the neural stem cell transcriptome and various forms of mRNA processing that may result from regionally restricted expression and subcellular localization. [Genes Dev] Abstract

p75 Is Required for the Establishment of Postnatal Sensory Neuron Diversity by Potentiating Ret Signaling

Scientists showed that the p75 neurotrophin receptor interacts with Ret and its GFRα co-receptor upon stimulation with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). They demonstrated that p75 is required for GDNF-mediated Ret activation, survival, and cell surface localization of Ret in dorsal root ganglion neurons. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

Schwann Cells in the Ventral Dermis Do Not Derive from Myf5-Expressing Precursors

Researchers traced SOX2⁺ adult dermal precursor cells by two independent Myf5 lineage tracing strains. They demonstrated that dermal Schwann cells do not belong to the Myf5⁺ cell lineage. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

A Physicochemically Optimized and Neuroconductive Biphasic Nerve Guidance Conduit for Peripheral Nerve Repair

The authors developed a biphasic nerve guidance conduit combining a physicochemically optimized collagen outer conduit to bridge the transected nerve, and a neuroconductive hyaluronic acid-based luminal filler to support regeneration. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Zika Virus Infection Dysregulates Human Neural Stem Cell Growth and Inhibits Differentiation into Neuroprogenitor Cells

Scientists evaluated the effect of Zika virus infection of Asian and African lineages in human neural stem cells (hNSCs). Their results showed that two distinct strains of Zika virus potentiate hNSC growth inhibition by different mechanisms, but both viruses strongly induced death in early differentiating neuroprogenitor cells even at a very low multiplicity of infection. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Cell Density-Dependent Differential Proliferation of Neural Stem Cells on Omnidirectional Nanopore-Arrayed Surface

The authors generated polystyrene cell-culture dishes with an omnidirectional nanopore arrayed surface (ONAS) and investigated the effects of nanotopography on rat neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs cultured on ONAS proliferated better than those on the flat surface when cell density was low and showed less spontaneous differentiation during proliferation in the presence of mitogens. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Resveratrol Activation of AMPK-Dependent Pathways Is Neuroprotective in Human Neural Stem Cells against Amyloid-Beta-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Investigators tested the hypothesis that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator resveratrol protects against amyloid-beta (Aβ) mediated neuronal impairment in human neural stem cells (hNSCs). Aβ-treated hNSCs had significantly decreased cell viability that correlated with increased TNF-α and IL-1β inflammatory cytokine expression. [Neurochem Int] Abstract

Activation of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Increases Proliferation but Does Not Influence Neuronal Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line

Researchers examined the effects of pharmacological activation and inhibition of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) 2/3 on proliferation, differentiation and viability of a human neural stem cell line. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the presence of mGluR2/3 receptors on both proliferating and differentiating stem cells, including cells differentiated into β-tubulin III-positive immature neurons and glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes. [Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol] Abstract

Lost in Transportation: Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Defects in ALS and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

The authors review transport through the nuclear pore complex, pointing out vulnerabilities that may underlie ALS and potentially contribute to this and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. [Immunity] Full Article

Current Progress in the Derivation and Therapeutic Application of Neural Stem Cells

Researchers summarize the different sources of neural stem cells and their derivation methods, including direct isolation from primary tissues, differentiation from pluripotent stem cells and transdifferentiation from somatic cells. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Understanding Role of Steroids in Typical and Atypical Brain Development: Advantages of Using a ‘Brain in a Dish’ Approach

Scientists review the effect of steroids in the typical and atypical brain, focusing on the cellular, molecular functions of these molecules determined from animal models, and the therapeutic potential as highlighted by human studies. [J Neuroendocrinol] Abstract

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

Ionis Presents New Data from NEURO-TTR Study and Highlights Programs from Its Neurological Disease Franchise

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that new data from the Phase III NEURO-TTR study with inotersen in patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy were presented. [Press release from Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discussing research presented at the 142^nd Annual Meeting of the American Neurological Association (ANA), San Diego] Press Release

Alkermes to Present New Clinical Data on ALKS 8700

Alkermes plc announced that two posters on ALKS 8700, a novel, oral monomethyl fumarate prodrug candidate in development for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS, will be presented. Interim safety and gastrointestinal tolerability data during the first three months of treatment with ALKS 8700 from the ongoing two-year, open-label, Phase III safety study will be presented. [Press release from Alkermes plc discussing research to be presented at the 7^th ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS Meeting, Paris] Press Release

Genentech to Present New Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) Efficacy & Safety Data in Relapsing and Primary Progressive Forms of Multiple Sclerosis

Genentech announced that new data on OCREVUS^® in people with relapsing and primary progressive forms of MS will be presented. [Press release from Genentech discussing research to be presented at the 7^th ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS Meeting, Paris] Press Release

Tocagen to Present Updated Durable Response Data from Phase I Trial of Toca 511 & Toca FC in Recurrent Brain Cancer

Tocagen Inc. announced that updated data from the company’s Phase I study of Toca 511 & Toca FC in recurrent high grade glioma have been selected for an oral presentation. [Press release from Tocagen Inc. discussing research to be presented at the 2017 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, Philadelphia] Press Release

Alzheon to Make Presentations on ALZ-801 and Its Anti-Oligomer Mechanism

Alzheon, Inc. announced that the company will be making three presentations. These presentations highlight Alzheon’s lead drug candidate, ALZ-801, an orally-administered, anti-amyloid inhibitor that blocks the formation of toxic amyloid oligomers associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease . [Press release from Alzheon, Inc. discussing research to be presented at the 10^th Annual Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) Congress, Boston] Press Release

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Taps Columbia Scientists to Create a Comprehensive Atlas of Cells in the Human Spinal Cord

Scientists at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute received a grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative donor advised fund, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, to construct an atlas of gene activity of all cells in the human spinal cord. [Columbia University] Press Release

Cancer Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Receive $9 Million Grant to Study Aggressive Brain Cancer

Thanks to a $9.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute, scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center will continue working to develop new, more effective treatments and delivery systems to attack a difficult to manage form of cancer. [Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center] Press Release

Chapman University Receives $3.7 Million Federal Research Grant to Study Alzheimer’s

The National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging awarded a $3.7 million grant to Hillard Kaplan, Ph.D., to pursue his research on Alzheimer’s disease. [Chapman University] Press Release

USC Research Could Lead to New Ways of Treating Stroke and Spinal Cord Injuries

Samuel Andrew Hires, assistant professor of biological sciences, wants to know how the brain learns to understand what we’re touching. Hires received a five-year, $2.5 million New Innovator Award from the National Institutes of Health to advance the research. [University of Southern California] Press Release

‘Gaitway’ to Rehab: CSU Researcher Studying MS and the Brain

A Colorado State University (CSU) researcher has received funding to investigate how the brain connects to the body in individuals with MS. [Colorado State University] Press Release

BrainStorm Enrolls First Patients in Phase III Trial of NurOwn^® in ALS

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. announced that the first patients have been enrolled in the Phase III clinical trial of NurOwn^® for the treatment of ALS at the Massachusetts General Hospital and University of California, Irvine Medical Center. [BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

Ionis Pharmaceuticals Initiates Clinical Study of IONIS-MAPT Rx in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has initiated a Phase I/IIa clinical study of IONIS-MAPT_Rx in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. [Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

M3 Biotechnology Launches Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Focused on Restoring Lost Connections in the Brain

M3 Biotechnology is bringing a therapy for Alzheimer’s to Phase I clinical trials that is expected to slow or stop disease progression as indicated by pre-clinical studies. [M3 Biotechnology] Press Release

Brain Tumor Treatment for Dogs May Soon Be Used in Human Patients

Data from a clinical trial at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech to treat brain tumors in dogs may eventually be used to help humans. [Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine] Press Release

ProMIS Neurosciences Lead Product Candidate, PMN310, Shows Desired Target Binding Profile in Direct Comparison to Other Amyloid Beta-Directed Antibodies for Alzheimer’s Disease

ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. announced that its lead product candidate for Alzheimer’s disease, PMN310, showed the desired binding profile of selectively targeting amyloid beta oligomers in a preclinical study directly comparing PMN310 to other amyloid beta-directed antibodies for Alzheimer’s disease. [ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.] Press Release

Top Chinese University to Consider Social-Media Posts in Researcher Evaluations

One of China’s most prestigious universities plans to give some articles in newspapers and posts on major social-media outlets the same weight as peer-reviewed publications when it evaluates researchers. [Nature News] Editorial

Efforts to Save Leading Hungarian University Hit Hurdle

The threatened Central European University in Budapest has been dealt a blow in its efforts to avert possible closure in Hungary. The country’s parliament voted to postpone, for a year, a decision that would allow the university to keep operating there. [Nature News] Editorial

New Definitions of Scientific Units Are on the Horizon

Revamped definitions of scientific units are on their way. In the biggest overhaul of the international system of units since its inception in 1960, a committee is set to redefine four basic units — the ampere, the kilogram, the kelvin and the mole — using relationships to fundamental constants, rather than abstract or arbitrary definitions. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Myelin
March 18-23, 2018
Ventura, California, United States

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NEW Assistant Professor – Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (University of British Columbia)

Faculty Position – Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research (Indiana University)

PhD Student – Brain Organoids (University of Antwerp)

PhD Students – Glioblastomas (Various Organizations)

PhD Position – Extracellular Vesicles in Neural Cell Communication (Institut of Molecular Biology)

PhD Studentships – Molecular Biology (Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology)

Faculty Position – Neurobiology (University of California, Berkeley)

Postdoctoral Positions – Circular RNAs and Circadian Rhythms (Brandeis University)

Faculty Members – Neuroscience (Mercer University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Stem Cell Differentiation (University of Oklahoma)

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