Neural Cell News Volume 12.20 | May 23 2018

TOP STORY

Researchers Identify Gene That Helps Prevent Brain Disease

Usually, the information transfer from gene to protein is carefully controlled—biologically “proofread” and corrected—to avoid the production of improper proteins. Scientists identified that Ankrd16 rescued specific neurons—called Purkinje cells—that die when proofreading fails. Without normal levels of Ankrd16, these nerve cells, located in the cerebellum, incorrectly activate the amino acid serine, which is then improperly incorporated into proteins and causes protein aggregation. [Press release from the University of Bonn discussing online prepublication in Nature] Press Release | Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein Recruits HP1 and CHD4 to Control Lineage-Specifying Genes

Investigators showed that activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) interacts with the chromatin remodeller CHD4 and the chromatin architectural protein HP1 to form a stable complex, which they refered to as ChAHP. Besides mediating complex assembly, ADNP recognized DNA motifs that specify binding of ChAHP to euchromatin. [Nature] Abstract

Dual-Function Injectable Angiogenic Biomaterial for the Repair of Brain Tissue following Stroke

Scientists showed that the delivery of an engineered immune-modulating angiogenic biomaterial directly to the stroke cavity promotes tissue formation de novo, and results in axonal networks along thee generated blood vessels. This regenerated tissue produced functional recovery through the established axonal networks. [Nat Mater] Abstract | Press Release

Genetic Identification of Brain Cell Types Underlying Schizophrenia

By applying knowledge of the cellular taxonomy of the brain from single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers evaluated whether the genomic loci implicated in schizophrenia map onto specific brain cell types. [Nat Genet] Abstract | Press Release

Epithelial Sodium Channel Regulates Adult Neural Stem Cell Proliferation in a Flow-Dependent Manner

The authors uncovered the epithelial sodium channel as a key regulator of adult neurogenesis as its deletion in neural stem cells and their progeny in the murine subependymal zone strongly impairs their proliferation and neurogenic output in the olfactory bulb. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

Adult Rat Myelin Enhances Axonal Outgrowth from Neural Stem Cells

Investigators report that rat myelin stimulated the growth of axons emerging from rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs) transplanted into sites of spinal cord injury in adult rat recipients. When plated on a myelin substrate, neurite outgrowth from rat NPCs and from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells was enhanced threefold. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Dlx1/2 and Otp Coordinate the Production of Hypothalamic GHRH- and AgRP-Neurons

Scientists report that the transcription factors Dlx1/2 and Otp coordinate the balanced generation of the two functionally related neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, GHRH-neurons promoting the growth and AgRP-neurons controlling the feeding and energy expenditure. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Phosphorylation State of ZFP24 Controls Oligodendrocyte Differentiation

The authors demonstrated that ZFP24 binds to a consensus DNA sequence in proximity to genes important for oligodendrocyte differentiation and CNS myelination, and they showed that this binding enhances target gene expression. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Epigenetic Regulation by BAF Complexes Limits Neural Stem Cell Proliferation by Suppressing Wnt Signaling in Late Embryonic Development

Researchers showed that the BAF complexes restrict proliferative competence and promote neuronal differentiation in late corticogenesis. Inactivation of BAF complexes lead to H3K27me3-linked silencing of neuronal differentiation-related genes, with concurrent H3K4me2-mediated activation of proliferation-associated genes via de-repression of Wnt signaling. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

All-Optical Electrophysiology for High-Throughput Functional Characterization of a Human iPSC-Derived Motor Neuron Model of ALS

Scientists describe an optimized all-optical electrophysiology, “Optopatch,” pipeline for high-throughput functional characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal cultures. They demonstrated the method in a human iPSC-derived motor neuron model of ALS. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Genetic Screening and Multipotency in Rhesus Monkey Haploid Neural Progenitor Cells

Researchers report that rhesus monkey haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) in an optimized culture medium showed naïve-state pluripotency and stable haploidy. This model facilitated the derivation of haploid neural progenitor cells, which maintained haploidy and differentiation potential into neurons and glia for a long period in vitro. [Development] Abstract

Long Non-Coding RNA H19 Contributes to Apoptosis of Hippocampal Neurons by Inhibiting let-7b in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

In vivo studies using gain- and loss-of-function approaches revealed that the overexpression of H19 aggravated status epilepticus (SE)-induced neuron apoptosis in the hippocampus, while inhibition of H19 protected the rats from SE-induced cellular injury. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Suppression of MIF-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis May Underlie the Therapeutic Effects of Effective Components of Fufang Danshen in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

The authors investigated the apoptosis-inducing effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and the impact of the effective components of Fufang Danshen in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. [Acta Pharmacol Sin] Abstract

A Stocked Toolbox for Understanding the Role of Astrocytes in Disease

The authors explore some of the technological advances developed over the past decade that have aided our understanding of astrocyte function. They also highlight neurological disorders in which astrocyte function or dysfunction is believed to have a role in disease pathogenesis or propagation and discuss how the technological advances have been and could be used to study each of these diseases. [Nat Rev Neurol] Abstract

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

Otsuka and Lundbeck to Start Third Phase III Trial in June to Evaluate Brexpiprazole in the Treatment of Agitation in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. and Lundbeck announce that the two companies’ third clinical Phase III study of brexpiprazole in the treatment of agitation in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type will commence in June. [Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. (BusinessWire Inc.)] Press Release

$30M in Gifts to Establish Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center at the University of Michigan

Multiple donors have committed $30 million to establish the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center, an initiative to advance research and treatment for children with brain cancer. [University of Michigan] Press Release

State To Invest $30M Into Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

New York State will invest $30 million to develop a seven-acre research complex at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) as part of the state’s $72 million investment to support three transformative, economic developments on Long Island. The funds will establish the Neuroscience Research Complex to further CSHL’s leadership in the areas of neuroscience and computer science for the betterment of human health. [Huntington Patch] Press Release

WuXi Biologics and Bioasis Announce Initial Strategic Collaboration for the Development and Manufacturing of Bioasis’ Lead Investigational Candidate to Treat Brain Cancer

WuXi Biologics and Bioasis Technologies, Inc. announced an initial strategic collaboration for the development and manufacturing of xB³-001, Bioasis’ lead investigational biological candidate to treat brain cancer. [WuXi Biologics (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

IOTA Pharmaceuticals Announce the Creation of a Glioblastoma Drug Bank to Support and Accelerate New Research into Brain Cancer Therapy

IOTA Pharmaceuticals Ltd announced the creation of a new resource, the Glioblastoma Drug Bank, to accelerate drug discovery research in brain cancer, especially glioblastoma. [IOTA Pharmaceuticals Ltd (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Potential New Treatment for Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease Starts First Phase of Clinical Testing

H. Lundbeck A/S starts the clinical development of a potential new treatment of schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. A Phase I study in healthy volunteers with the compound, invented by Lundbeck, has begun. [H. Lundbeck A/S] Press Release

Here’s How China Is Challenging the U.S. and European Brain Initiatives

The nascent China Brain Project took another step toward reality with the launch of the Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence. The new center and its Beijing counterpart, are expected to become part of an ambitious national effort to bring China to the forefront of neuroscience. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Plans for £100M Nobel Centre Blocked by Swedish Court

A Swedish court has blocked the construction of a major new Nobel Centre in Stockholm intended as the future venue for the world’s most prestigious arts and science awards. [The Guardian] Editorial

PM Will Pay to Have ‘Full Association’ with EU Research

The Prime Minister made the strongest commitment yet to “fully associate” the UK with the EU’s £68bn research program post-Brexit. Theresa May said the UK would be willing to make “an appropriate contribution” and in return it would expect a “suitable level of influence”. [BBC News] Editorial

Science Needs Clarity on Europe’s Data-Protection Law

As a commendable European law on personal data comes into force, the research community must not let excessive caution about data sharing, however understandable, become the default position. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Stem Cells in Disease Modelling and Drug Discovery (SCDMDD) 2018
June 17-18, 2018
Melbourne, Australia

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellows – Neuroscience (Louisiana State University)

Research Associate – Neural Research (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate/Postdoctoral Position – Neurodegenerative Diseases (TU Dresden)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Glioma Genetics/Epigenetics (Heidelberg University)

Postdoctoral Positions – RNA Biology and Neurodegenerative Disease (Johns Hopkins University)

Research Technician – Neuroscience (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Brain Disorders (New York Medical College)

Research Fellow/Associate – Neuroscience and Diabetes (Rutgers University)

Postdoctoral Position – Bacterial Virulence Factors (University of California, Irvine)

Postdoctoral Position – Cancer, Immunotherapy, and Fibrosis (University of Alabama at Birmingham)

Postdoctoral Associate – hiPSC-Based Brain Organoids (Rutgers University)

Postdoctoral Position – Pain in Mouse Models of Spinal Cord Injury (Indiana University)

Postdoctoral Position – Spinal Cord Injury (Nanyang Technological University)

Multiple Faculty Positions – Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (Tsinghua University)

Faculty Members – Neuroscience (Mercer University)

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