Neural Cell News Volume 5.42 | Oct 26 2011

Motor Antagonism Exposed by Spatial Segregation and Timing of Neurogenesis
Here researchers use monosynaptically restricted trans-synaptic viruses to elucidate premotor anatomical substrates for extensor–flexor control in mice. [Nature] Abstract

Nak Regulates Localization of Clathrin Sites in Higher-Order Dendrites to Promote Local Dendrite Growth
Here, investigators show that Nak, a clathrin adaptor-associated kinase, promotes higher-order dendrite growth through endocytosis. [Neuron] Abstract

Mouse Inscuteable Induces Apical-Basal Spindle Orientation to Facilitate Intermediate Progenitor Generation in the Developing Neocortex
Here, scientists use conditional deletion and overexpression of mouse Inscuteable to analyze the relevance of spindle reorientation in cortical progenitors. [Neuron] Abstract

Jarid1b Targets Genes Regulating Development and Is Involved in Neural Differentiation
Here, researchers show that the H3K4me2/3 histone demethylase Jarid1b is dispensable for embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal, but essential for ESC differentiation along the neural lineage. [EMBO J] Abstract

Mania-Like Behavior Induced by Genetic Dysfunction of the Neuron-Specific Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase α3 Sodium Pump
Here investigators show that Myshkin mice carrying an inactivating mutation in the neuron-specific Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase α3 subunit display a behavioral profile remarkably similar to bipolar patients in the manic state. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Regulable Neural Progenitor-Specific Tsc1 Loss Yields Giant Cells with Organellar Dysfunction in a Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Here, researchers report that mosaic induction of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1) loss in neural progenitor cells in Tsc1^cc Nestin-rtTA⁺ TetOp-cre⁺ embryos by doxycycline leads to multiple neurological symptoms, including severe epilepsy and premature death. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Self-Amplifying Autocrine Actions of BDNF in Axon Development
Investigators here report that BDNF serves as a self-amplifying autocrine factor in promoting axon formation in embryonic hippocampal neurons by triggering two nested positive-feedback mechanisms. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Transforming Growth Factor α Transforms Astrocytes to a Growth-Supportive Phenotype After Spinal Cord Injury
The present studies demonstrate that the epidermal growth factor receptor is upregulated primarily by astrocytes and glial progenitors early after spinal cord injury. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

Hypoxia-Specific GM-CSF-Overexpressing Neural Stem Cells Improve Graft Survival and Functional Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury
The goal of the present study was to understand the effects of hypoxia-induced granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on neural stem cells in a model of spinal cord injury. [Gene Ther] Abstract

Synapse Microarray Identification of Small Molecules that Enhance Synaptogenesis
Here researchers report a ‘synapse microarray’ technology that enables ultra-sensitive, high-throughput and quantitative screening of synaptogenesis. [Nat Commun] Abstract | Press Release

Neuralstem Receives FDA Approval to Dose Patients in Cervical Region in Ongoing ALS Trial
The company announced that, after reviewing safety data from the first 12 patients, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the trial to advance to transplanting patients in the cervical region. [Neuralstem, Inc.] Press Release

Eisai Enters into Neurological Drug Discovery Research Collaboration with Johns Hopkins University
Eisai Co., Ltd. announced that it has entered into a neurological drug discovery research collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, which established the Johns Hopkins Brain Science Institute. [Eisai Co., Ltd.] Press Release

Merck Serono Returns Rights for Safinamide to Newron
Merck Serono announced that it has decided to return all rights for safinamide to Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. Merck Serono had acquired exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize safinamide in Parkinson’s disease and other therapeutic applications, pursuant to its agreement with Newron signed in 2006. [Merck Serono] Press Release

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