Neural Cell News Volume 11.44 | Nov 8 2017

TOP STORY

Star-Shaped Brain Cells Orchestrate Neural Connections

Scientists found that astrocytes are much more than neurons’ entourage. Their unique architecture is also extremely important for regulating the development and function of synapses in the brain. [Press release from Duke University discussing online prepublication in Nature] Press Release | Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

ER-Mitochondria Tethering by PDZD8 Regulates Ca²⁺ Dynamics in Mammalian Neurons

Researchers identified PDZD8 as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein present at ER-mitochondria contacts. In neurons, PDZD8 was required for calcium ion (Ca²⁺) uptake by mitochondria after synaptically induced Ca²⁺-release from ER and thereby regulated cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ dynamics. [Science] Abstract | Press Release

DISC1 Regulates Neurogenesis via Modulating Kinetochore Attachment of Ndel1/Nde1 during Mitosis

Scientists solved the high-resolution structure of disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) C-terminal tail in complex with its binding domain of Ndel1. Disrupting DISC1/Ndel1 complex formation prolonged mitotic length and interfered with cell-cycle progression in human cells, and it caused cell-cycle deficits of radial glial cells in the embryonic mouse cortex and human forebrain organoids. [Neuron] Abstract

DSCAM-Mediated Control of Dendritic and Axonal Arbor Outgrowth Enforces Tiling and Inhibits Synaptic Plasticity

Mature mammalian neurons have a limited ability to extend neurites and make new synaptic connections, but the mechanisms that inhibit such plasticity remain poorly understood. Reseachers report that OFF-type retinal bipolar cells in mice are an exception to this rule, as they form new anatomical connections within their tiled dendritic fields well after retinal maturity. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

An Eye Organoid Approach Identifies Six3 Suppression of R-Spondin 2 as a Critical Step in Mouse Neuroretina Differentiation

Using Rax-GFP-expressing ESCs, newly generated Six3^−/− iPSCs, and conditional null Six3^delta/f;Rax-Cre ESCs, investigators identified Six3 repression of R-spondin 2 as a required step during optic vesicle morphogenesis and neuroretina differentiation. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Aberrant Rac1-Cofilin Signaling Mediates Defects in Dendritic Spines, Synaptic Function, and Sensory Perception in Fragile X Syndrome

The authors showed that aberrantly increased activity of the Rho GTPase Rac1 inhibited the actin-depolymerizing factor cofilin, a major determinant of dendritic spine structure, and caused disease-associated spine abnormalities in the somatosensory cortex of Fragile X syndrome model mice. Increased cofilin phosphorylation and actin polymerization coincided with abnormal dendritic spines and impaired synaptic maturation. [Sci Signal] Abstract

Lin28B and miR-142-3p Regulate Neuronal Differentiation by Modulating Staufen1 Expression

Staufen1 (STAU1) and Lin28B are RNA-binding proteins that are involved in neuronal differentiation as a function of post-transcriptional regulation. Scientists examined the connection between STAU1 and Lin28B and found that Lin28B regulates the abundance of STAU1 mRNA via miRNA maturation. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract

Deficiency of the Thyroid Hormone Transporter MCT8 in Neural Progenitors Impairs Cellular Processes Crucial for Early Corticogenesis

The authors investigated when exactly monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) dysfunction affects cellular processes crucial for corticogenesis by inducing in vivo RNAi vector-based knockdown of MCT8 in neural progenitors of the chicken optic tectum, a layered structure which shares many developmental features with the mammalian cerebral cortex. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Inter-Individual Variation in Genes Governing Human Hippocampal Progenitor Differentiation In Vitro Is Associated with Hippocampal Volume in Adulthood

Understanding which molecular processes regulate hippocampal progenitor differentiation might aid in the identification of novel drug targets that can promote larger hippocampal volumes. Investigators used a unique human cell line to assay genome-wide expression changes when hippocampal progenitor cells differentiate. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Neuroprotective Effect of Ruminococcus albus on Oxidatively Stressed SH-SY5Y Cells and Animals

Scientists investigated the effects of intestinal R. albus with probiotic potential on neuroprotection in oxidatively stressed SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and animals. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Consortium: Lessons Learned toward Generating a Comprehensive Brain Cell Atlas

The authors review the experiences of the BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Consortium, ten pilot projects funded by the U.S. BRAIN Initiative, in developing, validating, and scaling up emerging genomic and anatomical mapping technologies for creating a complete inventory of neuronal cell types and their connections in multiple species and during development. [Neuron] Full Article

Pediatric Brain Repair from Endogenous Neural Stem Cells of the Subventricular Zone

Scientists compare and contrast the responses of the endogenous neural stem cells and progenitors of the subventricular zone in animal models of neonatal cerebral hypoxia–ischemia, neonatal stroke, congenital cardiac disease, and pediatric traumatic brain injury. [Pediatr Res] Abstract

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

Charles River Laboratories Presents Newly Expanded Capabilities

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. announced that its team of neuroscience drug discovery experts is presenting 27 scientific posters, both independently and collaboratively with clients. [Press release from Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. discussing research to be presented at Neuroscience 2017, the 47^th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Washington, D.C.] Press Release

Novocure Announces Six Clinical Presentations on Novocure’s Phase III Pivotal EF-14 Trial Data in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma

Novocure announced 13 preclinical presentations highlighting data on tumor treating fields’ mechanism of action. [Press release from Novocure discussing research to be presented at the 22^nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology, San Francisco] Press Release

Amgen and Novartis Announce Expanded Collaboration with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Pioneering Prevention Program

Amgen and Novartis announced an expanded collaboration with the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute to initiate a new trial – the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative Generation Study II. [Amgen] Press Release

The Wistar Institute Awarded More than $16.5M in Grants to Fund Cancer & Infectious Disease Research and Training

Scientists at the Wistar Institute have secured more than $16.5 million in funding throughout the summer and early fall of 2017. [The Wistar Institute] Press Release

NIH Funds Research to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease with Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine nutrition scientist Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, Ph.D., R.D., a five-year, four million dollar grant to test whether a diet rich in foods with anti-inflammatory properties can reduce cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk. [Albert Einstein College of Medicine] Press Release

Health and Science News Publication Recognizes UCLA ‘Wunderkind’

Dr. Anubhuti Goel, a postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience at the University of California Los Angeles has been designated a 2017 “Wunderkind” by STAT News. Goel was one of 26 early-career scientists selected from nearly 300 nominations. [University of California Los Angeles] Press Release

WHO Calls for Restrictions on Use of Antibiotics in Food Animal Production

The World Health Organization is urging countries to restrict the amount of antibiotics given in food animal production by prohibiting their routine use in growth promotion and disease prevention. The recommendation is one of a number the WHO issued aimed at preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. [STAT News] Editorial

UK Government Appoints Next Chief Scientific Adviser

Patrick Vallance, president of research and development at the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, has been appointed as chief scientific adviser, the UK government announced. [Nature News] Editorial

Indian Scientists Urged to Speak Out about Pseudoscience

A leading Indian science-advocacy group is urging the country’s researchers to speak out against pseudoscience, which it fears has gained a foothold in the past few years, partly through support from some agencies of the Indian government. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Wellcome Genome Campus: Single Cell Biology
March 6-8, 2018
Hinxton, United Kingdom

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

NEW Associate Research Scientist – Neurophysiology (Columbia University)

Associate Professor – Neurology (Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology and Neuroscience (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)

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

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

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 Members – Neuroscience (Mercer University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Stem Cell Differentiation (University of Oklahoma)

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