Neural Cell News Volume 5.41 | Oct 19 2011

FoxM1 Promotes β-Catenin Nuclear Localization and Controls Wnt Target-Gene Expression and Glioma Tumorigenesis
Here, scientists report that FoxM1 is a downstream component of Wnt signaling and is critical for β-catenin transcriptional function in tumor cells. [Cancer Cell] Abstract

PDZ Binding of TARPγ-8 Controls Synaptic Transmission but Not Synaptic Plasticity
The findings suggest that there are distinct TARP-dependent mechanisms for synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Novel Diffusion Barrier for Axonal Retention of Tau in Neurons and its Failure in Neurodegeneration
Here, researchers used several Tau constructs labeled with photoconvertible Dendra2 to analyze its mobility in polarized neurons. [EMBO J] Abstract

Systematic Discovery of Rab GTPases with Synaptic Functions in Drosophila
Here, investigators present the first systematic characterization of neuronal expression, subcellular localization, and function of Rab GTPases in an organism with a brain. [Curr Biol] Abstract

Phenotypically Aberrant Astrocytes that Promote Motoneuron Damage in a Model of Inherited Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Here, researchers report the isolation of astrocytes with aberrant phenotype from primary spinal cord cultures of symptomatic rats expressing the SOD1^G93A mutation. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Phosphorylation of the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Kv2.1 by AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Regulates Membrane Excitability
The results suggest that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in neurons during conditions of metabolic stress exerts a protective role by reducing neuronal excitability and thus conserving energy. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Ischemia-Induced Calpain Activation Causes Eukaryotic (Translation) Initiation Factor 4G1 (eIF4GI) Degradation, Protein Synthesis Inhibition, and Neuronal Death
Researchers tested the hypothesis that persistent protein synthesis inhibition and neuronal death are causally linked. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

AAV Transduction of Dopamine Neurons with Constitutively Active Rheb Protects From Neurodegeneration and Mediates Axon Regrowth
Researchers have investigated the ability of a constitutively active form of the GTPase Rheb, an important activator of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, to mediate neurotrophic effects in dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, a population of neurons affected in Parkinson’s disease. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Intracerebroventricular Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells Delays Disease Progression in Two Murine Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration
In attempt to improve the potential efficacy of human cord blood mononuclear cells (HuCB-MNCs) in the central nervous system, researchers examined the effect and distribution of Hoechst 33258-labeled HuCB-MNCs after a single bilateral intracerberoventricular injection in two models of motor neuron degeneration, the transgenic SOD1G93A and wobbler mice. [Rejuvenation Res] Abstract

Reversing Nerve Cell Pathology by Optimizing Modulatory Action on Target Ion Channels
Using computational modeling and optimization, researchers aimed at reversing the pathological characteristics and restoring normal neural function by altering ion channel properties. [Biophys J] Abstract

Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission Issues Requests for Applications
Per the Maryland Stem Cell Commission (Commission) meeting on Sept.15, 2010, the Commission has issued three official Requests for Applications for funding through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act. [Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund] Press Release

Salk to Accelerate Brain Research with $4.5 Million NIH Grant
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced that the Salk Institute will receive $4.5 million to establish a Neuroscience Core Center, a new research center intended to accelerate brain research that lays the foundation for developing new ways to treat congenital brain defects and neurological diseases. [Salk Institute for Biological Studies] Press Release

Ligand Enters into Platform Captisol^(R) License Agreement with SAGE Therapeutics
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced that it has entered into a Captisol license agreement with SAGE Therapeutics, Inc. for the development and commercialization of Captisol-enabled^(R) therapeutics for a broad range of debilitating central nervous system conditions. [Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated] Press Release

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) 

Lab Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Quality Control Technologist – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies)

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Stowers Institute for Medical Research)

Lab Technologist Position (Michigan State University)

Recruit Top Talent
Reach more than 11,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Jobs are categorized regionally: United States, Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific

Visit here to post your career opportunities.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Neural Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.