Neural Cell News Volume 5.35 | Sep 7 2011

The Ageing Systemic Milieu Negatively Regulates Neurogenesis and Cognitive Function
Here, using heterochronic parabiosis researchers show that blood-borne factors present in the systemic milieu can inhibit or promote adult neurogenesis in an age-dependent fashion in mice. [Nature] Abstract

Glutamatergic and Dopaminergic Neurons Mediate Anxiogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of CRHR1
Using neurochemical and genetic tools, investigators determined that CRHR1 is expressed in forebrain glutamatergic and GABAergic as well as in midbrain dopaminergic neurons. [Science] Abstract

Cross-Regulation between an Alternative Splicing Activator and a Transcription Repressor Controls Neurogenesis
Researchers show that the neural-specific Ser/Arg repeat-related protein of 100 kDa (nSR100/SRRM4) negatively regulates REST (NRSF), a transcriptional repressor of genes required for neurogenesis. [Mol Cell] Abstract

Engrailed Protects Mouse Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Against Mitochondrial Complex I Insults
Researchers report that exogenous Engrailed-1 and Engrailed-2 (collectively Engrailed) protect mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, a mitochondrial complex I toxin used to model Parkinson’s disease in animals. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

The ALS-Associated Proteins FUS and TDP-43 Function Together to Affect Drosophila Locomotion and Life Span
Through cross-rescue analysis, researchers demonstrated that RNA/DNA-binding proteins fused in sarcoma (FUS) acted together with and downstream of TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) in a common genetic pathway in neurons. [J Clin Invest] Abstract | Press Release

Prostaglandin E₂ Release from Astrocytes Triggers Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neuron Firing via EP₂ Receptor Activation
Using patch-clamp recording researchers demonstrate that prostaglandin E₂ exerts a dose-dependent postsynaptic excitatory effect on GnRH neurons. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Expression of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5) Induces Melanoma in Transgenic Mice
To study mGluR-activated calcium signaling in neurons, researchers generated mGluR5 transgenic animals using a Thy1 promoter to drive expression in the forebrain, and one founder unexpectedly developed melanoma. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Dopamine Neurons Learn to Encode the Long-Term Value of Multiple Future Rewards
The findings demonstrate that dopamine neurons learn to encode the long-term value of multiple future rewards with distant rewards discounted. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Stereotyped Fetal Brain Disorganization Is Induced by Hypoxia and Requires Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1 (LPA1) Signaling
Here researchers report that fetal hypoxia induces cortical disruption via increased LPA1 signaling involving stereotyped effects on neural progenitor cells (NPCs): N-cadherin disruption, displacement of mitotic NPCs, and impaired neuronal migration, as assessed both ex vivo and in vivo. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Temporally Controlled Modulation of FGF/ERK Signaling Directs Midbrain Dopaminergic Neural Progenitor Fate in Mouse and Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
In this study, scientists systematically investigated the temporal actions of FGF signaling in midbrain-specific dopamine neuron fate specification of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells and mouse induced pluripotent stem cells. [Development] Abstract

Distribution of CD133 Reveals Glioma Stem Cells Self-Renew Through Symmetric and Asymmetric Cell Divisions
Here, scientists used single-cell analyses to evaluate the cell division behavior of glioma stem cells. [Cell Death Dis] Abstract

ReNeuron Receives DSMB Clearance to Progress to Higher Dose in ReN001 Stem Cell Trial for Stroke
ReNeuron provides an update on progress with the PISCES Phase I clinical trial of its ReN001 stem cell therapy for disabled stroke patients. [ReNeuron Group PLC] Press Release

Evotec and Roche Agree to Develop Compound That Could Slow the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Evotec AG and Roche AG announced that they have entered into an exclusive worldwide agreement for the development and commercialization of Evotec’s MAO-B inhibitor in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. [Evotec AG] Press Release

Genetic Research of Zebrafish Helps Understanding of Human Disease: Researchers Awarded $1.8 Million from Canada Foundation for Innovation
Scientists find tiny zebrafish pack a powerful genetic punch. They are using the fish to learn more about how neurons in the hypothalamic region of the brain develop and organize. [University of Calgary] Press Release

NINDS Request for Information (RFI) on Creating a Data Management Resource for the Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers Program (NOT-NS-11-027) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)               

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Research and Development Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Postdoctoral Scholar (University of California, Irvine)

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