Neural Cell News Volume 5.38 | Sep 28 2011

CD140a Identifies a Population of Highly Myelinogenic, Migration-Competent and Efficiently Engrafting Human Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells
To establish a more efficient means of isolating myelinogenic oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), researchers sorted fetal human forebrain cells for CD140a, an epitope of platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α, which is differentially expressed by OPCs. [Nat Biotechnol] Abstract

MCPH1 Regulates the Neuroprogenitor Division Mode by Coupling the Centrosomal Cycle with Mitotic Entry Through the Chk1–Cdc25 Pathway
Here researchers show that Mcph1 disruption in mice results in primary microcephaly, mimicking human MCPH1 symptoms, owing to a premature switching of neuroprogenitors from symmetric to asymmetric division. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract

Vesicular Zinc Promotes Presynaptic and Inhibits Postsynaptic Long-Term Potentiation of Mossy Fiber-CA3 Synapse
Researchers tested the hypothesis that zinc within vesicles of mossy fibers (mf) contributes to mf-long-term potentiation (LTP), a classical form of presynaptic LTP. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

Regulation of AMPA Receptor Function by the Human Memory-Associated Gene KIBRA
Investigators found that KIBRA directly binds to the protein interacting with C-kinase 1 and forms a complex with α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors (AMPARs), the major excitatory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

Axon Regeneration Pathways Identified by Systematic Genetic Screening in C. elegans
Researchers used a laser injury model in Caenorhabditis elegans mechanosensory neurons to screen 654 conserved genes for regulators of axonal regrowth. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

A Resource of Cre Driver Lines for Genetic Targeting of GABAergic Neurons in Cerebral Cortex
Using genetic engineering in mice, scientists have generated and characterized approximately 20 Cre and inducible CreER knockin driver lines that reliably target major classes and lineages of GABAergic neurons. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

Functional Genomic Analyses Identify Pathways Dysregulated by Progranulin Deficiency, Implicating Wnt Signaling
To identify the pathways downstream of progranulin (GRN), investigators used weighted gene coexpression network analysis to develop a systems-level view of transcriptional alterations in a human neural progenitor model of GRN-deficiency. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

NYAP: A Phosphoprotein Family that Links PI3K to WAVE1 Signaling in Neurons
Here, researchers report the identification of the Neuronal tYrosine-phosphorylated Adaptor for the PI 3-kinase (NYAP) family of phosphoproteins, which is composed of NYAP1, NYAP2, and Myosin16/NYAP3. [EMBO J] Abstract

Isoform-Specific Palmitoylation of JNK Regulates Axonal Development
Here, researchers report an isoform-specific regulation of JNK3 by palmitoylation, a posttranslational modification, and the involvement of JNK3 palmitoylation in axonal development and morphogenesis. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract

Stimulation of Entorhinal Cortex Promotes Adult Neurogenesis and Facilitates Spatial Memory
Researchers found that acute stimulation of the entorhinal cortex transiently promoted proliferation in the dentate gyrus. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

Salk Scientist Earns Competitive Grant from Whitehall Foundation
Axel Nimmerjahn, Ph.D. has been awarded a highly selective grant from the Whitehall Foundation. He will receive $223,000.00 over three years to study the contribution of astrocytes to normal brain function. [The Salk Institute for Biological Studies] Press Release

Researchers Receieve $8 Million Grant for Parkinson’s Study
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke announced an $8 million, five-year grant to support a “National Brain and Tissue Resource for Parkinson’s Disease and Related Disorders”, awarded to Banner Sun Health Research Institute and Mayo Clinic Arizona. [Banner Sun Health Research Institute] Press Release

NIH Director, Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., Recognizes 20 NIH Recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
The NIH awardees will take their place along with 94 other highly accomplished scientists from a total of 16 federal agencies. [National Institutes of Health] Press Release

Neurologix Appoints Adrian Adams as Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Neurologix, Inc. announced that Adrian Adams has been appointed Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. [Neurologix, Inc.] Press Release

Aestus Therapeutics & ALS TDI Expand Collaboration
The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) and Aestus Therapeutics, Inc., announced the expansion of their current research collaboration agreement to test additional small-molecule compounds for the ability to slow or stop the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). [ALS Therapy Development Institute] Press Release

University of Kentucky Spinoff CoPlex Therapeutics Announces Global License with Hawthorn Pharmaceuticals to Develop a Treatment for Alzheimer’s
CoPlex Therapeutics has signed an exclusive global license agreement with Hawthorn Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize hawAD14, a preclinical oral small molecule candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. [University of Kentucky] Press Release

Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2011-24130) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

Modified Receipt and Decision Process for PAR-11-344 (X01) (NOT-NS-11-025) [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, United States]

NeuroNEXT Clinical Trials (U01) (PAR-11-343) [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, United States]

NINDS SBIR Technology Transfer (SBIR-TT [R43/R44]) (PA-11-347) [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, United States]

NeuroNEXT Infrastructure Resource Access (X01) (PAR-11-344) [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, United States]

NeuroNEXT Small Business Innovation in Clinical Trials (U44) (PAR-11-345) [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 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)

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