Neural Cell News Volume 5.43 | Nov 2 2011

Functional Links Between Aβ Toxicity, Endocytic Trafficking, and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Factors in Yeast
Aβ (beta amyloid peptide) is an important contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers modeled Aβ toxicity in yeast by directing the peptide to the secretory pathway. [Science] Abstract

Identifying Polyglutamine Protein Species In Situ That Best Predict Neurodegeneration
Here scientists show that the monoclonal antibody 3B5H10 recognizes a species of polyglutamine protein in situ that strongly predicts neuronal death. [Nat Chem Biol] Abstract | Press Release

5-hmC–Mediated Epigenetic Dynamics During Postnatal Neurodevelopment and Aging
Researchers mapped 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) genome-wide in mouse hippocampus and cerebellum at three different ages, which allowed them to assess its stability and dynamic regulation during postnatal neurodevelopment through adulthood. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Expectancy-Related Changes in Firing of Dopamine Neurons Depend on Orbitofrontal Cortex
To test whether orbitofrontal cortex contributes to instructive error signals, scientists recorded from dopamine neurons in orbitofrontal-lesioned rats performing a reward learning task. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

FGF2 Gene Transfer Restores Hippocampal Functions in Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease and Has Therapeutic Implications for Neurocognitive Disorders
To investigate the effect of neurogenesis on cognitive function in a relevant disease model, FGF2 gene was delivered bilaterally to the hippocampi of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP)+presenilin-1 bigenic mice via an adenoassociated virus serotype 2/1 hybrid. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Tomosyn-Dependent Regulation of Synaptic Transmission Is Required for a Late Phase of Associative Odor Memory
The data indicates that tomosyn has a conserved role in the regulation of synaptic transmission and provides behavioral evidence that tomosyn is involved in a specific component of late associative memory. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Nestin- and DCX-Positive Cells Reside in Adult Spinal Cord Meninges and Participate to Injury-Induced Parenchymal Reaction
In this study researchers describe a new population of cells resident in the adult rat spinal cord meninges that express the neural stem/precursor markers nestin and doublecortin. [Stem Cells] Abstract | Press Release

Girdin Maintains the Stemness of Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Investigators show that Girdin is highly expressed in human glioblastoma. [Oncogene] Abstract

Selective Inhibition of Striatal Fast-Spiking Interneurons Causes Dyskinesias
Researchers applied a novel pharmacological approach to examine the behavioral consequences of selective fast-spiking interneuron suppression in mouse striatum. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Opposing Roles of Voltage-Gated Ca²⁺ Channels in Neuronal Control of Regenerative Patterning
Here, investigators use the planarian flatworm as a simple chemical-genetic screening model for nervous system regeneration to show that the isoquinoline drug praziquantel acts as a small molecule neurogenic to produce two-headed animals with integrated central nervous systems following regeneration. [J Neurosci] Abstract

UAB Awarded Prestigious Grant to Study Brain Tumors
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UAB Division of Neurosurgery have been awarded a prestigious SPORE, or Specialized Program of Research Excellence, grant from the National Cancer Institute for $2.3 million over three years to conduct research and develop new therapies to treat brain tumors. [University of Alabama at Birmingham] Press Release

Scripps Research Scientist Awarded $500,000 Grant from Michael J. Fox Foundation to Study Parkinson Disease
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the Michael J. Fox Foundation to study a pair of genetic mutations that could lead to a new and potentially vital therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease. [The Scripps Research Institute] Press Release

Van Andel Institute Appoints Dr. Patrik Brundin as Chair of the Jay Van Andel Parkinson Research Lab
Van Andel Institute officials announced the appointment of Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D. as the inaugural holder of the Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson Research. [Van Andel Institute] Press Release

Newron Is Exploring All Options for Safinamide
Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. announced that the ongoing talks with Biotie Therapeutics Corp. on the planned acquisition of Newron by Biotie have been terminated. [Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A.] Press Release

Celldex Therapeutics Announces Orphan Drug Designation in the European Union for Rindopepimut, a Novel EGFRvIII Vaccine for Glioblastoma
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the European Medicines Agency has granted orphan drug designation for rindopepimut for the treatment of Glioblastoma. [Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

“Glow in the Dark Brains” Aid Tumor Surgery: Clinical Trial Hopes to Improve Techniques to Remove Brain Tumors
The trial, called GALA-5, will involve over 60 patients who have been newly diagnosed with glioblastoma. [University of Cambridge] 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)

Postdoctoral Position: Neural Stem Cells and Induced Neurogenesis (UT Southwestern Medical Center)

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