Neural Cell News Volume 12.04 | Jan 31 2018

TOP STORY

A Translational Repression Complex in Developing Mammalian Neural Stem Cells that Regulates Neuronal Specification

Researchers characterized the transcriptional landscape of radial glial precursors (RPs) in the embryonic murine cortex. They showed that individual RPs express mRNA, but not protein, for transcriptional specifiers of both deep and superficial layer cortical neurons. [Neuron] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Kruppel-Like Factor 4-Dependent Staufen1-Mediated mRNA Decay Regulates Cortical Neurogenesis

Investigators demonstrated that Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) loss in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) leads to increased neurogenesis and reduced self-renewal in mice. In addition, Klf4 interacts with RNA-binding protein Staufen1 and RNA helicase Ddx5/17. They functioned together as a complex to maintain NPC self-renewal. [Nat Commun] Full Article

MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma Maintains an Aggressive and Undifferentiated Phenotype by Deregulation of Estrogen and NGF Signaling

Scientists showed that MYCN suppresses estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and thereby nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling and neural differentiation. ERα overexpression is sufficient to interfere with different tumorigenic processes and tumor growth. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Cellular Senescence Is Induced by the Environmental Neurotoxin Paraquat and Contributes to Neuropathology Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

The authors demonstrated that senescent cell markers are preferentially present within astrocytes in Parkinson’s disease (PD) brain tissues. Additionally, herbicide paraquat (PQ) was found to induce astrocytic senescence and an SASP in vitro and in vivo, and senescent cell depletion in the latter protects against PQ-induced neuropathology. [Cell Rep] Abstract | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

Astrocytes Attenuate Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Human Dopaminergic Neurons Derived from iPSC

Using the astroglial-neuronal co-culture system, scientists showed that astrocytes effectively rescue defects in neurogenesis of dopaminergic (DA) neurons with mitochondrial respiratory chain disruption. Co-culture of astrocytes with defective DA neurons completely restored mitochondrial functions and dynamics insulted by mitochondrial toxins. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article

Chromosomal Instability during Neurogenesis in Huntington’s Disease

To model Huntington’s disease (HD) in humans, scientists engineered a genetic allelic series of isogenic human embryonic stem cell lines with graded increases in CAG repeat length. Neural differentiation of these lines unveiled a novel developmental HD phenotype: the appearance of giant multinucleated telencephalic neurons at an abundance directly proportional to CAG repeat length, generated by a chromosomal instability and failed cytokinesis over multiple rounds of DNA replication. [Development] Abstract | Press Release

MIF Inhibits the Formation and Toxicity of Misfolded SOD1 Amyloid Aggregates: Implications for Familial ALS

Investigators showed that migration inhibitory factor (MIF) inhibits mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1) nuclear clearance when overexpressed in motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells. In addition, MIF alters the typical SOD1 amyloid aggregation pathway in vitro, and, instead, promotes the formation of disordered aggregates, as measured by Thioflavin T assay and transmission electron microscopy imaging. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

RNF138-Mediated Ubiquitination of rpS3 Is Required for Resistance of Glioblastoma Cells to Radiation-Induced Apoptosis

The authors found that in irradiated glioblastoma (GBM) cells, ribosomal protein S3 (rpS3) translocated into the nucleus and was subsequently ubiquitinated by ring finger protein 138 (RNF138). Ubiquitin-dependent degradation of rpS3 consequently led to radioresistance in GBM cells. [Exp Mol Med] Full Article

MicroRNA-421 Suppresses the Apoptosis and Autophagy of Hippocampal Neurons in Epilepsy Mice Model by Inhibition of the TLR/MYd88 Pathway

Scientists explored the role of microRNA-421 in hippocampal neurons of epilepsy mice via the TLR/MYD88 pathway. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

Evaluation of RGD Functionalization in Hybrid Hydrogels as 3D Neural Stem Cell Culture Systems

Researchers investigated neural stem cells adhesion and proliferation in hydrogel systems. In particular, they evaluated the effect of RGD binding domains on cell fate within the polymeric scaffold. [Biomater Sci] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown in Alzheimer Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders

The authors discuss neuroimaging studies in the living human brain and post-mortem tissue as well as biomarker studies demonstrating blood–brain barrier breakdown in Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, HIV-1-associated dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. [Nat Rev Neurol] Abstract

Functional and Structural Damage of Neurons by Innate Immune Mechanisms during Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases have mainly centered around neurons and their networks. Only recently has it become evident that immunological processes arise alongside degenerating neurons, raising the question whether these represent just meaningless bystander reactions or in turn, contribute to pathogenesis and disease symptoms. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

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

Brain Stimulation Plus Adult Neural Stem Cells May Speed Stroke Recovery

Electrically stimulating implanted adult stem cells may someday speed stroke recovery, according to preliminary research. [Press release from the American Heart Association discussing research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2018, Los Angeles] Press Release

Araclon Biotech Partners with TFS International for their Alzheimer’s Phase II Trial

After completing a successful Phase I partnership with TFS International (TFS), Araclon Biotech decided to continue the partnership with TFS advancing their Alzheimer’s disease vaccine ABvac40 into phase II. The placebo-controlled phase II trial will be carried out at 21 clinical investigational sites across Europe over the next two years. [TFS International] Press Release

Michael J. Fox Foundation Partnering on Program to Expand Molecular Investigation of Parkinson’s Disease

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) announces its involvement in a public-private partnership expanding use of cutting-edge molecular profiling technology to advance understanding, measurement and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This project grows work ongoing in the MJFF-led Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative and builds on the National Institutes of Health Accelerating Medicines Partnership model. [The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research] Press Release

Eisai and Boston University School of Medicine Announce Research Collaboration to Study the Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Genetic Variants on Brain

Eisai Inc. and Boston University School of Medicine have formed a research collaboration to study the effects of Alzheimer’s disease-associated genetic variants on the behavior of brain cells, called microglia. Recent discoveries regarding the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggest that microglial cells are believed to play a key role in resistance to or susceptibility in developing AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. [Eisai Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Canadian Brain Bank Network to Advance Research on Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers receive total of $2.5 million to establish coordinated system for brain donation and to participate in international dementia research projects. [Mc Gill University] Press Release

United Neuroscience Announces Development Plans for Vaccine to Prevent CTE

United Neuroscience, Inc. announced plans for the development of a vaccine for the prevention of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). [United Neuroscience, Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

US Government Rethinks How to Retire Research Chimps

The research chimpanzees owned or supported by the US National Institutes of Health are ready to retire — but nearly 300 are still stuck in 3 US research facilities, awaiting spots at the country’s only federally funded sanctuary. [Nature News] Editorial

Computer Scientist to Lead French Research Giant; Interim Head Leaves Amid Misconduct Allegations

Computer scientist Antoine Petit, 57, is the new head of Europe’s largest research organization. There was an unusual twist to Petit’s appointment, however. A week before the official procedure ended, the French government named Petit interim president of the National Center for Scientific Research, a position that had been held by cell biologist Anne Peyroche since Fuchs’s departure. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Gender Bias Goes Away When Grant Reviewers Focus on the Science

But female scientists suffer when their research proposals are judged primarily on the strength of their CVs. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Keystone Symposia: Organs- and Tissues-on-Chips
April 8-12, 2018
Big Sky, Montana, United States

NEW 13^th Annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium
April 18, 2018
Fitchburg/Madison, Wisconsin, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Spinal Cord Injury (Nanyang Technological University)

PhD/Postdoctoral Research Position – Neuroscience (Max Planck Society)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Neurodegeneration (Lund University)

Postdoctoral Position – Neurology (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Associate – Cerebral Organoids (Weill Cornell Medicine)

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)

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

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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