Neural Cell News 12.31 August 8, 2018 | |
| |
TOP STORYGeneration and Post-Injury Integration of Human Spinal Cord Neural Stem Cells Researchers report the derivation of spinal cord NSCs from human pluripotent stem cells. They showed that these spinal cord NSCs differentiated into a diverse population of spinal cord neurons occupying multiple positions along the dorso-ventral axis, and could be maintained for prolonged time periods. [Nat Methods] Abstract | Press Release | |
| |
PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)Scientists showed that Alexander disease (AxD) patient iPSC-derived astrocytes recapitulate key features of AxD pathology such as GFAP aggregation. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Press Release | Graphical Abstract Investigators showed that aurora A kinase contributes to glioblastoma cell survival, radio-resistance, self-renewal, and proliferation regardless of the exogenous stimulation with CXCL12. [Oncogene] Full Article Scientists found in an unbiased screen of 1650 compounds that amlodipine was able to inhibit survival of glioblastoma cells by suppressing YAP/TAZ activities. Instead of its known function as an L-type calcium channel blocker, they found that amlodipine was able to activate Ca2+ entry by enhancing SOCE. [Oncogene] Abstract The authors observed that a sustained activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) appeared to be critical for DHA-induced differentiation of cultured astrocytes. Prior exposure to different endocytic inhibitors blocked both ERK activation and differentiation of the astrocytes during DHA treatment suggesting that the observed induction of ERK-2 was purely endosomal. [Mol Neurobiol] Abstract A fully human in vitro blood-brain barrier model with brain microvascular endothelial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiating NSC-derived astrocytic cells was used to investigate the effects of neuroinflammation on barrier function. [Neurobiol Dis] Abstract Investigators described a novel approach to bias the differentiation of directly reprogrammed human NPCs toward a more oligodendrogenic fate while preserving their tripotency. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Full Article Transcriptome analysis of NPCs derived from FMR1-knockout human induced pluripotent stem cells showed altered expression of neural differentiation markers, particularly a marked induction of the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. [Sci Rep] Full Article Among all the identified partners of E-glycoprotein, PLVAP (plasmalemma vesicle associated protein) and GKN3 (gastrokine3) showed significant up-regulation in both Japanese Encephalitis Virus infected mouse brain and neuro2a cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article Subscribe to one of our other 19 science newsletters such as Cancer Stem Cell News & ESC & iPSC News. | |
| |
REVIEWSThe authors focus on describing the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the neuronal differentiation process by transcription factors, microRNAs, and extracellular matrix components. [Biotechnol Adv] Abstract Stem Cell- and Gene-Based Therapies as Potential Candidates in Alzheimer’s Therapy Researchers summarize a variety of effective therapeutic approaches in Alzheimer’s disease therapy. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the neural cell research field. | |
| |
SCIENCE NEWSOvid Therapeutics Inc. announced that the Phase II STARS trial of OV101 achieved its primary endpoint of safety and tolerability. [Press release from Ovid Therapeutics Inc. discussing research presented at the 2018 Angelman Syndrome Foundation/Duplication15q Research Symposium, Chapel Hill] Press Release | |
| |
INDUSTRY NEWSRoche announced that the European Medicines Agency has granted PRIME (PRIority MEdicines) designation for the company’s investigational medicine RG6042 for the treatment of people with Huntington’s disease. [F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd] Press Release Beat Childhood Cancer Consortium Expands Into Canada Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s consortium announced that through a partnership with The C17 Council Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sainte-Justine has been approved to begin recruiting patients for a pivotal clinical trial investigating the potential of a repurposed drug to prevent relapse in patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma who are currently in remission. [Spectrum Health] Press Release Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Announces Awards for Exceptional Research The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has announced the winners of its 2018 Klerman and Freedman Prizes recognizing exceptional clinical and basic research. The prizes honor the work of outstanding researchers who have been supported by the Foundation’s Young Investigator Grant Program. [The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation] Press Release BioArctic AB has in collaboration with Eisai identified a completely new biological target, which provides an opportunity to develop novel treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. BioArctic announced that the company will have exclusive rights to utilize the results from the collaboration to develop potential antibody treatments of Alzheimer’s disease. [BioArctic AB] Press Release | |
| |
POLICY NEWSJapanese Medical University Admits to Discriminating against Female Applicants A prominent Japanese medical university said that school administrators have deliberately manipulated entrance exam scores to limit the number of women admitted. The confession helps explain the lopsided gender ratio of graduates from Tokyo Medical University and strengthens suspicions that similar practices have prevailed at other Japanese medical schools. [ScienceInsider] Editorial Top US Biomedical Institute Settles Gender-Discrimination Lawsuits The Salk Institute has reached a deal with two of three female scientists who alleged unequal treatment. Cancer researchers Katherine Jones and Victoria Lundblad have agreed to drop all claims against the institute in La Jolla, California, according to a joint statement released. [Nature News] Editorial Embattled French Health-Agency Chief Withdraws Leadership Bid The chief of France’s national biomedical-research agency INSERM has said that he will not run for a second term, a decision that ends months of uncertainty about his future at the organization. [Nature News] Editorial
| |
EVENTSNEW Goodbye Flat Biology: In Vivo Inspired Cancer Biology and Therapy Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
| |
JOB OPPORTUNITIESExcellence in Science PhD Scholarship Award – Neuroscience (University of Technology Sydney) Scientist/Assistant Professor – Neuroscience (The Hospital for Sick Children) Postdoctoral Associate – Cerebral Organoids (Weill Cornell Medicine) Postdoctoral Associate – hiPSC-Based Brain Organoids (Rutgers University) Multiple Faculty Positions – Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (Tsinghua University) Faculty Members – Neuroscience (Mercer University) Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.
| |
Have we missed an important article or publication in Neural Cell News? Click here to submit! Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here. | |
|