Neural Cell News Volume 5.34 | Aug 31 2011

Neuronal Activity Modifies the DNA Methylation Landscape in the Adult Brain
Using a next-generation sequencing–based method for genome-wide analysis at single-nucleotide resolution, investigators quantitatively compared the CpG methylation landscape of adult mouse dentate granule neurons in vivo before and after synchronous neuronal activation. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Drosophila Rae1 Controls the Abundance of the Ubiquitin Ligase Highwire in Post-Mitotic Neurons
Loss of Rae1 function in neurons results in morphological defects at the neuromuscular junction that are similar to those seen in highwire (hiw) mutants. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

A Circadian Clock in Hippocampus Is Regulated by Interaction Between Oligophrenin-1 and Rev-erbα
The data reveals new interactions between synaptic activity and circadian oscillators, and delineate a new means of communication between nucleus and synapse that may provide insight into normal plasticity and the etiology of intellectual disability. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Pioneer GABA Cells Comprise a Subpopulation of Hub Neurons in the Developing Hippocampus
Researchers show that early-generated GABA cells form a subpopulation of hub neurons, characterized by an exceptionally widespread axonal arborization and the ability to single-handedly impact network dynamics when stimulated. [Neuron] Abstract

New Rabies Virus Variants for Monitoring and Manipulating Activity and Gene Expression in Defined Neural Circuits
Here, researchers describe the development and demonstrate the utility of new resources that allow experiments directly investigating relationships between the structure and function of neural circuits. [Neuron] Abstract

Cadherin-9 Regulates Synapse-Specific Differentiation in the Developing Hippocampus
Here, scientists investigated the formation of synapses between hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) neurons and their target CA3 neurons and find that DG neurons preferentially form synapses with CA3 rather than DG or CA1 neurons in culture, suggesting that specific interactions between DG and CA3 neurons drive synapse formation. [Neuron] Abstract

Cadherin-6 Mediates Axon-Target Matching in a Non-Image-Forming Visual Circuit
The findings provide functional evidence that classical cadherins promote mammalian CNS circuit development by ensuring that axons of specific cell types connect to their appropriate synaptic targets. [Neuron] Abstract

The Neuronal K-Cl Cotransporter KCC2 Influences Postsynaptic AMPA Receptor Content and Lateral Diffusion in Dendritic Spines
Here, investigators report that suppressing KCC2 expression decreases the efficacy of excitatory synapses in mature hippocampal neurons. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Dendritic Coding of Multiple Sensory Inputs in Single Cortical Neurons In Vivo
Here, researchers combined in vivo two-photon imaging with whole-cell recordings in layer 2 neurons of the mouse vibrissal cortex as a means to analyze the spatial pattern of subthreshold dendritic calcium signals evoked by the stimulation of different whiskers. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Pro-Neural miR-128 Is a Glioma Tumor Suppressor That Targets Mitogenic Kinases
Researchers identified microRNA (miR)-128 as a glioma tumor suppressor that targets receptor tyrosine kinase signaling to repress glioma-initiating neural stem cell self-renewal and enhance differentiation. [Oncogene] Abstract

Therapeutic Targeting of Subdural Medulloblastomas Using Human Neural Stem Cells Expressing Carboxylesterase
Researchers evaluated the migratory potential and therapeutic efficacy of genetically engineered human neural stem cells that encode a prodrug enzyme in the subdural medulloblastoma model. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract

CIRM Commits $1.8 Million to Build Stem Cell Teams, Accelerate New Therapies
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine approved funding $1.8 million to support 19 researchers in their effort to assemble competitive teams to develop applications for the Disease Team Therapy Development Awards, which will be due in winter 2012. [The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Supports Madera Biosciences with a Grant to Advance Novel Drug Candidates for Alzheimer’s Disease
The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation announced that it has awarded a grant of $294,000 to Madera Biosciences, Inc. to develop small molecule drugs designed to clear accumulated beta-amyloid from the brain and thus halt or reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. [PR Newswire] Press Release

Cleveland Researchers Collaborate to Launch Phase I Clinical Trial for New Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Researchers are collaborating on a ground-breaking study that will test the feasibility and safety of using the body’s own stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis. [Cleveland Clinic] Press Release

Mayo Clinic Physician to Head HHS Council on Alzheimer’s Disease
Ronald Petersen, M.D., was selected to chair the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services. The group was announced by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. [Mayo Clinic] Press Release

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