Neural Cell News Volume 12.01 | Jan 10 2018

TOP STORY

The Dynamic Landscape of Open Chromatin during Human Cortical Neurogenesis

Investigators created a high-resolution map of non-coding elements involved in human cortical neurogenesis by contrasting chromatin accessibility and gene expression in the germinal zone and cortical plate of the developing cerebral cortex. They linked distal regulatory elements to their cognate gene(s) together with chromatin interaction data and showed that target genes of human-gained enhancers regulate cortical neurogenesis and are enriched in outer radial glia, a cell type linked to human cortical evolution. [Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Mutations in Vps15 Perturb Neuronal Migration in Mice and Are Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disease in Humans

Researchers report the identification of an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mouse mutant characterized by a fractured hippocampal pyramidal cell layer, attributable to defects in neuronal migration. They showed that this is caused by a hypomorphic mutation in Vps15 that perturbs endosomal-lysosomal trafficking and autophagy, resulting in an upregulation of Nischarin, which inhibits Pak1 signaling. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Troy⁺ Brain Stem Cells Cycle through Quiescence and Regulate Their Number by Sensing Niche Occupancy

The adult mouse subependymal zone provides a niche for mammalian neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the molecular signature, self-renewal potential, and fate behavior of NSCs remain poorly defined. The authors propose a model in which the fate of active NSCs is coupled to the total number of neighboring NSCs in a shared niche. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Cell-Specific and Region-Specific Transcriptomics in the Multiple Sclerosis Model: Focus on Astrocytes

Researchers used a cell-specific and region-specific transcriptomics approach to determine gene expression changes in astrocytes in the most widely used multiple sclerosis model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Full Article | Press Release

Mitochondrial DNA Changes in Pedunculopontine Cholinergic Neurons in Parkinson Disease

Scientists isolated single cholinergic neurons from postmortem pedunculopontine nucleus of aged controls and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and mtDNA deletions were increased significantly in PD patients compared to controls. [‎Ann Neurol] Abstract | Press Release

Inhibition of WNT-CTNNB1 Signaling Upregulates SQSTM1 and Sensitizes Glioblastoma Cells to Autophagy Blockers

The authors investigated the impact of inhibiting WNT signaling on autophagy in glioblastoma (GBM). Inhibiting TCF, or silencing TCF4 or CTNNB1/β-catenin upregulated SQSTM1/p62 in GBM at transcriptional and protein levels and, in turn, autophagy. [Autophagy] Full Article

Variation in Activity State, Axonal Projection, and Position Define the Transcriptional Identity of Individual Neocortical Projection Neurons

By comparing the gene expression profiles of single layer 6 corticothalamic neurons in somatosensory cortex, researchers showed that transcriptional subtypes primarily reflect axonal projection pattern, laminar position within the cortex, and neuronal activity state. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Grapical Abstract

A Nestin-Cdk5-Drp1 Axis Regulates Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Stemness via a Metabolic Shift

Investigators report that Nestin loss triggers mitochondrial network remodeling and enhances oxidative phosphorylation in neural stem/progenitor cells treated with Nestin RNA interference. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Neogenin, a Regulator of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Prevents Depressive-Like Behavior

The authors present evidence for neogenin, a multifunctional transmembrane receptor, to regulate adult mouse hippocampal neurogenesis. Loss of neogenin in adult neural stem cells (NSCs) or neural progenitor cells (NPCs) impaired NSCs/NPCs proliferation and neurogenesis, whereas increased their astrocytic differentiation. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Generation of Functional Dopaminergic Neurons from Reprogramming Fibroblasts by Nonviral-Based Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Scientists utilized the mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as a non-viral delivery system for transduction of the three key factors to achieve conversion of mouse fibroblasts into functional dopaminergic neuron-like cells. At the same time, a neurogenesis inducer, ISX-9, was co-delivered with the MSNs to promote the direct conversion of neuron-like cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Towards Stem Cell Based Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease

Treating neurodegenerative diseases with cell transplantation has been within reach since the first pioneering clinical trials in which dopamine neuron progenitors from the fetal brain were transplanted to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Now it is possible to generate authentic midbrain dopaminergic neurons from pluripotent stem cells and clinical trials using such cells are rapidly approaching. [Development] Full Article

Concise Review: The Cellular Conspiracy of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A wealth of accumulating evidence now strongly implicates non-neuronal cells as being major determinants of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although animal models have proven invaluable in basic neuroscience research, a growing number of studies confirm fundamental interspecies differences between popular model organisms and the human condition. This may in part explain the failure of therapeutic translation from rodent preclinical models. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Epigenetics and Cerebral Organoids: Promising Directions in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The authors give an overview of the state of the art concerning knowledge on epigenetic changes in autism and how new, cutting edge expertise based on three-dimensional stem cell technology models (brain organoids) can contribute in elucidating the multiple aspects of disease mechanisms. [Transl Psychiatry] Full Article

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

Together against Alzheimer’s & Co.

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), ChemDiv and Torrey Pines Investment announced the launch of a pre-commercial translational R&D program that will identify small molecule leads modulating NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation, under their 2016 collaboration agreement focused on pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, with the goal of delivering a pipeline of novel high quality development and drug candidates. [The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)] Press Release

Servier and Treventis Begin Strategic Research Partnership in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Servier and Treventis announced a strategic research partnership in targeting misfolded proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The collaboration covers a large drug discovery program targeting both tau and amyloide-β, two key proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease. [Servier] Press Release

Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals Announces Completion of Last Patient Visit in Confirmatory Phase II Study of NP001 for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the completion of the last patient visit in the confirmatory Phase II study of its investigational treatment, NP001, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in North America. [Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Faced with Public Pressure, Research Institutions Step Up Reporting of Clinical Trial Results

The reporting of clinical trial results to a public database — mandated by a ten-year-old federal law — has improved sharply in the last two years, with universities and other nonprofit research centers leading the way. [STAT News] Editorial

Koch-Backed Groups Urge Congress to Pass Right-to-Try Legislation

Several deep-pocketed political advocacy groups founded by Charles and David Koch are ramping up their advocacy before Congress on a niche issue: access to experimental drugs. [STAT News] Editorial

NEW Applications of Organoid Technology
May 27-June 2, 2018
Bar Harbor, Maine, United States

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Neural Control of Circulation (The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Research Assistant – Neurodegenerative Disease (Thomas Jefferson University)

Postdoctoral Research Fellows – Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (The University of Queensland)

PhD Scholarship – Neuroscience (University of Technology Sydney)

Postdoctoral Position(s) – Neocortex Development/Brain Tumor Biology (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)

Professor – Translational Neurology (University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

Group Leader Position(s) – Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (Universite de Bordeaux)

Multiple Faculty Positions – Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (Tsinghua University)

Postdoctoral Position – Brain Injury and Repair (University of Pennsylvania)

Faculty Members – Neuroscience (Mercer University)

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