Neural Cell News Volume 14.46 | Dec 9 2020

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    2020-12-9 | NCN 14.46


    Neural Cell News by STEMCELL Technologies
    Vol. 14.46 – 9 December, 2020
    TOP STORY

    Single-Cell Analyses Reveal YAP/TAZ as Regulators of Stemness and Cell Plasticity in Glioblastoma

    Scientists used single-cell datasets and identified glioma stem cells (GSC) at the apex of the differentiation hierarchy of glioblastoma (GBM). By reconstructing the GSCs’ regulatory network, they identified the YAP/TAZ coactivators as master regulators of this cell state, irrespectively of GBM subtypes.
    [Nature Cancer]

    Abstract

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    PUBLICATIONSRanked by the impact factor of the journal

    Bidirectional Perisomatic Inhibitory Plasticity of a Fos Neuronal Network

    Investigators reveal an instructive role for FOS and SCG2 in establishing a network of Fos-activated neurons via the rewiring of local inhibition to form a selectively modulated state.
    [Nature]

    Abstract

    Generation of Human Striatal Organoids and Cortico-Striatal Assembloids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

    Researchers assembled organoids with cerebral cortical organoids in 3D cultures to form cortico-striatal assembloids. Using viral tracing and functional assays in intact or sliced assembloids, they showed that cortical neurons sent axonal projections into striatal organoids and formed synaptic connections.
    [Nature Biotechnology]

    Abstract

    ROS Dynamics Delineate Functional States of Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells and Link to Their Activity-Dependent Exit from Quiescence

    The authors showed that in the hippocampus of adult mice, quiescent neural precursor cells maintain the highest reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
    [Cell Stem Cell]

    Full ArticleGraphical Abstract

    Pharmacological Reversal of Synaptic and Network Pathology in Human MECP2-KO Neurons and Cortical Organoids

    Using a strategic series of increasingly complex human stem cell‐derived technologies, including human neurons, MECP2‐mosaic neurospheres to model Rett syndrome female brain mosaicism, and cortical organoids, researchers identified synaptic dysregulation downstream from knockout (KO) of MECP2 and screened select pharmacological compounds for their ability to treat the dysfunction.
    [EMBO Molecular Medicine]

    Full ArticlePress ReleaseGraphical Abstract

    Reoccurring Neural Stem Cell Divisions in the Adult Zebrafish Telencephalon Are Sufficient for the Emergence of Aggregated Spatiotemporal Patterns

    Scientists analyzed division events in an adult neural stem cell (NSC) population of the zebrafish telencephalon. Spatial statistics and mathematical modeling of over 80,000 NSCs in 36 brain hemispheres revealed weakly aggregated, nonrandom division patterns in space and time.
    [PLOS Biology]

    Full Article

    Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 Family Proteins BCL-XL and MCL-1 Integrate Neural Progenitor Survival and Proliferation during Postnatal Cerebellar Neurogenesis

    To define the mechanisms linking proliferation and apoptotic threshold, researchers examined the effect of conditionally deleting Bcl2l1, the gene that codes the antiapoptotic protein BCL-xL, in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors, and of co-deleting Bcl2l1 homologs, antiapoptotic Mcl-1, or pro-apoptotic Bax.
    [Cell Death & Differentiation]

    Abstract

    Divergent Nodes of Non-Autonomous UPRER Signaling through Serotonergic and Dopaminergic Neurons

    Scientists found dopaminergic neurons necessary and sufficient for activation of cell non-autonomous unfolded protein response (UPRER) to drive lipid depletion in peripheral tissues, whereas serotonergic neurons were sufficient to drive protein homeostasis in peripheral tissues.
    [Cell Reports]

    Full ArticleGraphical Abstract

    MicroRNA-155 Contributes to Plexiform Neurofibroma Growth Downstream of MEK

    Investigators analyzed a microRNA (miR) microarray comparing with normal and plexiform neurofibroma Schwann cells (PNF-SCs) and identified differences in miR expression, which they validated in mouse PNFs versus normal mouse SCs by qRT-PCR.
    [Oncogene]

    Abstract

    Convergent Genomic and Pharmacological Evidence of PI3K/GSK3 Signaling Alterations in Neurons from Schizophrenia Patients

    While demonstrating the utility of human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from multiplex families to identify significant cell-specific gene network alterations in schizophrenia, the authors support a role for disruption of PI3K/GSK3 signaling as a risk factor for schizophrenia.
    [Neuropsychopharmacology]

    Full Article

    Autocrine IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Aids Development of Acquired Drug Resistance in Group 3 Medulloblastoma

    Scientists evaluated the role of STAT3 and IL-6 in a tumor microenvironment mediated drug resistance in human medulloblastomas.
    [Cell Death & Disease]

    Full Article

    COG5 Variants Lead to Complex Early Onset Retinal Degeneration, Upregulation of PERK and DNA Damage

    Researchers identified a novel role for COG5 in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein homeostasis and disruption of that role resulted in activation of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and early-onset retinal degeneration, microcephaly, and skeletal dysplasia.
    [Scientific Reports]

    Full Article


    He knew neuronal cultures should be active. So he invented a new medium. Watch Cedric Bardy's webinar.
    REVIEWS

    Modeling Multi-Organ Infection by SARS-CoV-2 Using Stem Cell Technology

    Stem cell models of various organ systems—most prominently, lung, gut, heart, and brain—are at the forefront of studies aimed at understanding the role of direct infection in COVID-19 multi-organ dysfunction.
    [Cell Stem Cell]

    Full ArticleGraphical Abstract

    Shaping Neuronal Fate: Functional Heterogeneity of Direct Microglia-Neuron Interactions

    Scientists summarize the known ultrastructural, molecular, and functional features of direct microglia-neuron interactions and their roles in brain disease.
    [Neuron]

    Abstract

    Microglial Replacement Therapy: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Incurable CSF1R-Related Leukoencephalopathy

    Investigators introduce recent advances in microglial biology and CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy.
    [Acta Neuropathologica Communications]

    Full Article

    INDUSTRY AND POLICY NEWS

    Cortexyme’s Phase II/III GAIN trial of Atuzaginstat (COR388) in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Successfully Advances Past Interim Analysis

    Cortexyme, Inc announced that the independent Data Monitoring Committee conducted a pre-planned interim analysis and recommended Cortexyme continue the PhaseII/III GAIN Trial of atuzaginstat as planned to the one-year endpoint.
    [Cortexyme, Inc]

    Press Release

    REGENXBIO Announces Positive Interim Data and Update for Phase I/II Trial of RGX-121 for the Treatment of MPS II

    REGENXBIO Inc. announced interim data from cohorts one and two of the ongoing Phase I/II trial of RGX-121 for the treatment of patients up to five years old diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II). In addition, REGENXBIO announced plans to evaluate a higher dose of RGX-121 in a third cohort of patients at an increased dose of 2.0×1011 GC/g brain mass.
    [REGENXBIO Inc.]

    Press Release

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