Neural Cell News Volume 4.15 | Apr 21 2010

TOP STORY

Neurons Growing in Line
A group of scientists has successfully developed a novel method to grow cultured neurons in order to investigate basic mechanisms of memory. [Press release from EurekAlert! discussing online prepublication in Neuron]

SCIENCE NEWS

Gene Links Neurodegeneration and Cancer
In work that could lead to new insights into how neurons protect against neurodegeneration, researchers report that a gene family known for its role in controlling cell proliferation and suppressing tumors is also essential in the brain to regulate neuronal structure and function. [Press release from Massachusetts Institute of Technology discussing online prepublication in the Journal of Neuroscience]

Stem Cells from Menstrual Blood May Benefit Stroke Patients
Cryo-Cell International, Inc. announced results of a study showing that stem cells found in menstrual blood may one day be a potential source for stem cell therapies in stroke and other central nervous system disorders. [Press release from Cryo-Cell International, Inc. discussing online prepublication in Stem Cells and Development]

Cell Transplants May Benefit Children with Cerebral Palsy
A unique cell type that supports and surrounds neurons within the nose known as olfactory ensheathing cells, possess the ability to regenerate, are relatively easy to obtain, and have become prime candidates for transplantation to repair a number of lesions in the central nervous system. [Press release from EurekAlert! discussing online prepublication in Cell Transplantation]

Study Identifies Small Molecules Mimicking Key Brain Growth Factor
Researchers have identified several small molecules that mimic a key but cumbersome protein in the brain, a discovery that could open the door to new therapies for a variety of brain disorders. [Press release from Stanford University School of Medicine discussing online prepublication in the Journal of Clinical Investigation]

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS

Small Molecule BDNF Mimetics Activate TrkB Signaling and Prevent Neuronal Degeneration in Rodents
Using in silico screening with a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) loop–domain pharmacophore, followed by low-throughput in vitro screening in mouse fetal hippocampal neurons, researchers have efficiently identified small molecules with nanomolar neurotrophic activity specific to tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) versus other Trk family members. [J Clin Invest]

Microfluidic Local Perfusion Chambers for the Visualization and Manipulation of Synapses
Researchers developed a microfluidic local perfusion chamber to access and manipulate synaptic regions and presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments in vitro. [Neuron]

Esophageal Cancer-Related Gene 4 is a Secreted Inducer of Cell Senescence Expressed by Aged CNS Precursor Cells
Using a serum-induced mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cell senescence model, researchers identified esophageal cancer-related gene 4 as a senescence inducer with implications for the senescence-like state of postmitotic cells in the aging brain. [Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A]

Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Regulates Proliferation and Differentiation of Adult Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells
In this study, researchers investigated whether fragile X mental retardation protein deficiency affects adult neurogenesis. [PLoS Genet]

DMob4/Phocein Regulates Synapse Formation, Axonal Transport, and Microtubule Organization
To further characterize the Drosophila Phocein homolog, researchers generated null and hypomorphic alleles and performed in vivo cell biological and physiological analysis. [J Neurosci]

Intracranial Transplant of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
To elucidate the feasibility of using olfactory ensheathing cells to treat cerebral palsy in children and adolescents, researchers conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial on 33 patients. [Cell Transplant]

Immunohistochemical Expression of Stem Cell, Endothelial Cell, and Chemosensitivity Markers in Primary Glioma Spheroids Cultured in Serum-Containing and Serum-Free Medium
In this first study of the influence of serum-free medium on primary glioma spheroids, the conditions favored an in vivo-like phenotype with increased expression of CD133. [Neurosurgery]

Menstrual Blood Cells Display Stem Cell-Like Phenotypic Markers and Exert Neuroprotection Following Transplantation in Experimental Stroke
In order to test the therapeutic potential of menstrual blood autologous stem cells, researchers used the in vitro stroke model of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and found that OGD-exposed primary rat neurons that were co-cultured with menstrual blood-derived stem cells or exposed to the media collected from cultured menstrual blood exhibited significantly reduced cell death. [Stem Cells Dev]