Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Buffers Stress Responses and Depressive Behavior Here researchers show that adult-born hippocampal neurons are required for normal expression of the endocrine and behavioral components of the stress response. [Nature] Directed Conversion of Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Skin Fibroblasts into Functional Neurons Here, researchers describe the efficient generation of human-induced neuronal cells from adult skin fibroblasts of unaffected individuals and Alzheimer’s patients, using virally transduced transcription regulators and extrinsic support factors. [Cell] Mutations in CIC and FUBP1 Contribute to Human Oligodendroglioma Oligodendrogliomas are the second most common malignant brain tumor in adults and exhibit characteristic losses of chromosomes 1p and 19q. To identify the molecular genetic basis for this alteration, researchers performed exomic sequencing of seven tumors. [Science] Cartilage Acidic Protein–1B (LOTUS), an Endogenous Nogo Receptor Antagonist for Axon Tract Formation The findings suggest that endogenous antagonism of NgR1 by lateral olfactory tract (LOT) usher substance (LOTUS) is crucial for normal LOT formation. [Science] Control of Local Protein Synthesis and Initial Events in Myelination by Action Potentials Researchers find that release of glutamate from synaptic vesicles along axons of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture promotes myelin induction by stimulating formation of cholesterol-rich signaling domains between oligodendrocytes and axons, and increasing local synthesis of the major protein in the myelin sheath, myelin basic protein, through Fyn kinase-dependent signaling. [Science] Autophagy in Hypothalamic AgRP Neurons Regulates Food Intake and Energy Balance Here investigators demonstrate a role for autophagy in hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. [Cell Metab] Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells Form Functionally Distinct Sublayers Researchers found robust differences between pyramidal neurons residing in the deep and superficial CA1 sublayers in rats. [Nat Neurosci] KIF1A, an Axonal Transporter of Synaptic Vesicles, Is Mutated in Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type 2 Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, researchers found that KIF1A, an axonal transporter of synaptic vesicles, interacts with the domain encoded by the HSN2 exon. [Am J Hum Genet] SNARE Motif-Mediated Sorting of Synaptobrevin by the Endocytic Adaptors Clathrin Assembly Lymphoid Myeloid Leukemia (CALM) and AP180 at Synapses Here researchers show that synaptobrevin 2 sorting involves determinants within its soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) motif that are recognized by the ANTH domains of the endocytic adaptors AP180 and clathrin assembly lymphoid myeloid leukemia. [Proc Nat Acad Sci USA] Pool-Specific Regulation of Motor Neuron Survival by Neurotrophic Support The results demonstrate the exquisite degree to which outcomes of signaling by receptor tyrosine kinases are regulated on a cell-by-cell basis. They also provide a model for one way in which the multiplicity of neurotrophic factors may allow for regulation of motor neuron numbers in a pool-specific manner. [J Neurosci] |