Neural Cell News Volume 14.13 | Apr 08 2020

TOP STORY

Maintenance of Neural Stem Cell Positional Identity by Mixed-Lineage Leukemia 1

Investigators found that the maintenance of neural stem cell (NSC) positional identity in the murine brain required a mixed-lineage leukemia 1-dependent epigenetic memory system. After establishment by sonic hedgehog, ventral NSC identity became independent of this morphogen. [Science] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Cell Type-Specific Intralocus Interactions Reveal Oligodendrocyte Mechanisms in MS

Researchers describe a general approach for identifying specific cell types in which a disease allele exerted a pathogenic effect. Applying this approach to multiple sclerosis (MS) risk loci, they pinpointed likely pathogenic cell types for 70%. [Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Visualization of a Distributed Synaptic Memory Code in the Drosophila Brain

The authors analyzed synaptic boutons of Kenyon cells of the Drosophila mushroom body γ lobe, a brain structure that mediates olfactory learning. A fluorescent Ca²⁺ sensor was expressed in single Kenyon cells so that axonal boutons could be assigned to distinct cells and Ca²⁺ could be measured across many animals.” [Neuron] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

DNAJB6, a Key Factor in Neuronal Sensitivity to Amyloidogenesis

Upregulation of DNAJB6 in neurons antagonized glutamate-induced aggregation, while knockdown of DNAJB6 in progenitors resulted in spontaneous polyglutamine aggregation. [Mol Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Differentiation Drives Widespread Rewiring of the Neural Stem Cell Chaperone Network

Researchers found that the neural stem and progenitor cell chaperone network robustly maintained misfolded protein solubility and stress resilience through high levels of the ATP-dependent chaperonin TRiC/CCT. [Mol Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

TrkB-Expressing Paraventricular Hypothalamic Neurons Suppress Appetite Through Multiple Neurocircuits

Investigators found that TrkB-expressing paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) neurons projecting to lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) were distinct from those to ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), yet Ntrk2 deletion in PVH neurons projecting to either VMH or LPBN resulted in hyperphagia and obesity. [Nat Commun] Full Article

MAP6 Is an Intraluminal Protein That Induces Neuronal Microtubules to Coil

Scientists showed that microtubule-associated protein (MAP)6 promoted growth and localized in the lumen of microtubules, induced the microtubules to coil into a left-handed helix, and formed apertures in the lattice, likely to relieve mechanical stress. [Sci Adv] Full Article

Designer, Injectable Gels to Prevent Transplanted Schwann Cell Loss during Spinal Cord Injury Therapy

Combination therapy of cells and gel significantly improved the spatial distribution of transplanted cells within the endogenous tissue. A reduction in cystic cavitation and neuronal loss were also observed with substantial increases in forelimb strength and coordination. [Sci Adv] Full Article

Super Elongation Complex as a Targetable Dependency in Diffuse Midline Glioma

In order to identify therapeutically targetable dependencies within this disease context, researchers performed an RNAi screen targeting epigenetic/chromatin-associated genes in patient-derived diffuse midline glioma cultures. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

HIV-1 Infection and Latency-Reversing Agents Bryostatin-1 and JQ1 Disrupt Amyloid Beta Homeostasis in Human Astrocytes

The authors showed that HIV-1-infected astrocytes accumulated a very high amount of amyloid beta compared to uninfected cells, but the engulfed peptide in degraded very slowly. [Glia] Abstract

Spider Venom Administration Impairs Glioblastoma Growth and Modulates Immune Response in a Non-Clinical Model

Phoneutria nigriventer (PnV) venom was effective at impairing tumor development in a murine xenogeneic model, activating the innate immune response and increasing tumor infiltrating macrophages. In addition, PnV spider venom activated macrophages in vitro for a different profile of M1. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Berberine Attenuates Aβ42-Induced Neuronal Damage through Regulating circHDAC9/miR-142-5p Axis in Human Neuronal Cells

Scientists indicated that circRNA histone deacetylase 9 (circHDAC9) was a circular transcript and mainly localized in the cytoplasm. 42-residue β-amyloid triggered a significant down-regulation in circHDAC9 and a striking up-regulation in miR-142-5p in human neuronal cells. [Life Sci] Abstract

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Deconstructing the Neurobiology of Cannabis Use Disorder

Integrated information from human and animal studies is beginning to expand insights regarding neurobiological systems associated with cannabis use disorder, which often share common neural characteristics with other substance use disorders, that could inform prevention and treatment strategies. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

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AB Science Announces That FDA Clears Masitinib IND in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Allowing US Patient Enrollment to Commence in Phase III Study

AB Science SA announces that the FDA has cleared the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application, allowing the company to initiate its masitinib Phase III study (AB19001) in ALS. [AB Science SA] Press Release

NOXXON Announces Completion of Patient Recruitment for the First Dose Cohort in the Phase I/II Brain Cancer Study Of NOX-A12 Plus Radiotherapy

NOXXON Pharma N.V. announced that all three patients of the first dose cohort have been enrolled into the brain cancer clinical trial testing the CXCL12 inhibitor, NOX-A12, and have already received the planned initial treatment. [NOXXON Pharma N.V.] Press Release

Scientists Around the Globe Pivot Their Research to SARS-CoV-2

Numerous groups around the world have diverted their skills and resources to help stop the pandemic. While the majority of research at academic institutions grinds to a halt, some labs have kept their lights on to conduct coronavirus-related experiments. [The Scientist] Editorial

Safely Conducting Essential Research in the Face of COVID-19

Some scientists can’t simply stop going to their laboratories – especially not those who are overseeing clinical trials that could offer life-saving vaccines and therapies, particularly against the new coronavirus. And some research activities must continue even in the face of a shutdown. [Nature News] Editorial

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NEW Scientist – Oligonucleotide Therapies for Neurological Disorders (Deep Genomics Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Neuroimmunology (LMU University Hospital Munich)

Postdoctoral Position – iPSC Models in Neurodegeneration (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)

Assistant Professor – Department of Neuroscience (Univeristy of Padua Department of Neusciences)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Developmental Neuroscience (Children’s National Hospital)

Research Assistant – Cerebral Organoids (Weill Cornell Medicine College)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Neuroscience Research (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)

Associate Professor – Visual Neuroscience (Dalhousie University)

Postdoctoral Associate – Neuron Diversity Mechanisms in Brain Development (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

Faculty Positions – Brain Disorders (IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research)

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