Neural Cell News 12.46 November 21, 2018 | |
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TOP STORYNever-Before-Seen DNA Recombination in the Brain Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease Scientists identified gene recombination in neurons that produces thousands of new gene variants within Alzheimer’s disease brains. They revealed for the first time how the Alzheimer’s-linked gene, APP, is recombined by using the same type of enzyme found in HIV. [Press release from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute discussing online prepublication in Nature] Press Release | Abstract | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)In Vivo Modeling of Human Neuron Dynamics and Down Syndrome Researchers found that transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal progenitors consistently assembled into vascularized territories with complex cytoarchitecture, mimicking key features of the human fetal cortex, such as its large size and cell diversification. [Science] Abstract Cell-Type-Specific and Projection-Specific Brain-Wide Reconstruction of Single Neurons Investigators developed a dual-adeno-associated-virus expression system that enabled strong and sparse labeling of individual neurons with cell-type and projection specificity. They demonstrated its utility for whole-brain reconstruction of midbrain dopamine neurons and striatum-projecting cortical neurons. [Nat Methods] Abstract Researchers established both phosphoproteomic and gene expression profiles of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) activity in neuroblastoma cells exposed to first- and third-generation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors, to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms and identify relevant biomarkers, signaling networks, and new therapeutic targets. [Sci Signal] Abstract Scientists investigated directly reprogrammed human neural progenitor cells biased toward an oligodendrogenic fate in combination with sustained delivery of chondroitinase ABC using an innovative affinity release strategy in a crosslinked methylcellulose biomaterial for the treatment of chronic spinal cord injury in an immunodeficient rat model. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7) overexpressing astrocytes impaired neuronal outgrowth in vitro by increasing the production of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, a key component of the gliotic scar. [Glia] Full Article Scientists showed that leaky blood‐brain‐barrier in stem cell niches of the intact and stroke brain could respond to circulating VEGF165 to drive induction of the notch ligand DLL4 in endothelial cells, pericytes, and further induce significant proliferation and neurogenesis of stem cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract | Full Article Convective Forces Increase CXCR4-Dependent Glioblastoma Cell Invasion in GL261 Murine Model Investigators used the therapeutic technique of convection enhanced delivery (CED) to test if convective flow alters glioma invasion in a syngeneic GL261 mouse model of glioblastoma. The GL261 cell line was flow responsive in vitro, dependent upon CXCR4 and CXCL12. Additionally, transplanting GL261 intracranially increased the populations of CXCR4+ and double positive cells versus 3D culture. [Sci Rep] Full Article | Press Release Using induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs)-derived human motor neurons (MN) from an ALS patient with a TDP43 G298S mutation and two sporadic ALS patients, the authors showed that both sporadic and familial ALS were characterized by TDP-43 aggregates in the surviving MN. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article Subscribe to one of our other 19 science newsletters such as Cancer Stem Cell News & ESC & iPSC News. | |
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REVIEWSMitochondria as Central Regulators of Neural Stem Cell Fate and Cognitive Function Scientists explore the recent findings that implicate mitochondria as crucial regulators of neural stem cell function and cognition. In this respect, mitochondria may serve as targets for stem-cell-based therapies and interventions for cognitive defects. [Nat Rev Neurosci] Full Article Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the neural cell research field. | |
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SCIENCE NEWSZiopharm Oncology Provides Controlled IL-12 Update with Positive Data from Phase I Trial Presented Ziopharm Oncology, Inc. provided an update on its controlled IL-12 platform following a presentation of positive data from its Phase I clinical trial in recurrent glioblastoma. [Press release from Ziopharm Oncology, Inc. discussing research presented at the 23rd Annual Scientific Meeting and Education Day of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), New Orleans] Press Release DNAtrix to Present Interim Phase II Results of DNX-2401 with Pembrolizumab for Glioblastoma DNAtrix presents interim results from the ongoing Phase II trial of its oncolytic virus DNX-2401 with pembrolizumab for patients with recurrent glioblastoma [Press release from DNAtrix discussing research presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), New Orleans] Press Release | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSAlector Initiates Phase I Trial of AL002 for the Treatment of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Alector announced the initiation of a first-in-human Phase I trial called the INVOKE study, investigating the company’s second product candidate, AL002, for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. [Alector] Press Release NOXXON to Launch NOX-A12 with Radiotherapy Clinical Trial in Patients with Brain Cancer NOXXON Pharma N.V. announced that the company is preparing a new clinical trial combining NOX-A12 with radiotherapy for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors. [NOXXON Pharma N.V.] Press Release FutureNeuro, a €13.6 million SFI Research Centre has been launched at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin. The center aims to translate breakthroughs in the understanding of brain structure and function to transform the patient journey for people with neurological diseases. [Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland] Press Release Promising Approach to Curing Spina Bifida Gets $5.6 Million from Stem Cell Agency A new approach to repairing the defect that causes spina bifida was awarded $5.66 million by the Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release Someday, it may be possible to take just one pill a week for conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, addiction, allergies, malaria, schizophrenia, high cholesterol, and HIV. [STAT News] Editorial | |
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POLICY NEWSFrustrated Alzheimer’s Researchers Seek Better Lab Mice The US National Institutes of Health, the UK Dementia Research Institute and Jackson Laboratory — one of the world’s biggest suppliers of lab mice — are among the groups trying to genetically engineer more sophisticated rodents. [Nature News] Editorial Stop Exploitation of Foreign Postdocs in the United States A survey reveals some lab heads are using the need for visas to create unacceptable conditions for junior researchers. Some PIs are exploiting the fact that overseas scientists rely on them for continued visas. The responses suggest that senior scientists are using this reliance to force postdocs to work longer hours and endure unacceptable conditions. [Nature] Editorial To Catch Misconduct, Journals Are Hiring Research Integrity Czars Scientific journals’ creation of dedicated positions for rooting out misconduct before publication comes amid growing awareness of such issues, and stems from a recognition that spot-checking and other ad hoc arrangements were insufficient. [STAT News] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW Keystone Symposia: Mammalian Sensory Systems NEW Keystone Symposia: Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities NEW Keystone Symposia: Neural Environment in Disease: Glial Responses and Neuroinflammation Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW Director – Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (University of Toronto) Postdoctoral Scholar – Cancer Stem Cells and Organoids (Cancer Institute of New Jersey) Postdoctoral Position – Neuroscience (Boston Children’s Hospital) Faculty Positions – Translational Neurosciences (Wayne State University) Postdoctoral Scholar – Medulloblastoma (University of California, San Francisco) Postdoctoral Position – Neuroscience/Neuropharmacology (The University of Texas at Austin) Assistant Professor – Neural Network Plasticity & Integrative Neuroscience (University of Montréal) Assistant Professor – Department of Neuroscience (Columbia University) Multiple Faculty Positions – Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (Tsinghua University) Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.
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