Neural Cell News Volume 5.44 | Nov 9 2011

Dopamine Neurons Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells Efficiently Engraft in Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Here researchers present a novel floor-plate-based strategy for the derivation of human dopamine neurons that efficiently engraft in vivo, suggesting that past failures were due to incomplete specification rather than a specific vulnerability of the cells. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Sustained Axon Regeneration Induced by Co-Deletion of PTEN and SOCS3
Here researchers show that, remarkably, simultaneous deletion of both the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) enables robust and sustained axon regeneration. [Nature] Abstract

Nuclear PKM2 Regulates ß-Catenin Transactivation upon EGFR Activation
Here researchers demonstrate, in human cancer cells, that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation induces translocation of the embryonic pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), but not PKM1, into the nucleus, where K433 of PKM2 binds to c-Src-phosphorylated Y333 of ß-catenin. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Sustained Activation of mTOR Pathway in Embryonic Neural Stem Cells Leads to Development of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Lesions
Researchers deleted Tsc1 in Emx1-expressing embryonic telencephalic neural stem cells and found that mutant mice faithfully recapitulated Tuberous Sclerosis Complex neuropathological lesions, such as cortical lamination defects and subependymal nodules. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract

Binary Regulation of Hippo Pathway by Merlin/NF2, Kibra, Lgl, and Melted Specifies and Maintains Postmitotic Neuronal Fate
The results reveal roles for Merlin, Kibra, and Lethal(2)giant larvae (Lgl) in neuronal specification and maintenance and show that the Hippo pathway is reimplemented for sensory neuron fate by combining canonical and noncanonical regulatory steps. [Dev Cell] Abstract

Endonuclease VIII-Like 3 (Neil3) DNA Glycosylase Promotes Neurogenesis Induced by Hypoxia-Ischemia
Here scientists show profound neuropathology in Neil3-knockout mice characterized by a reduced number of microglia and loss of proliferating neuronal progenitors in the striatum after hypoxia-ischemia. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Direct Reprogramming of Sertoli Cells into Multipotent Neural Stem Cells by Defined Factors
Here, researchers demonstrate that sertoli cells derived from mesoderm can be directly converted into a multipotent state that possesses neural stem/progenitor cell properties. [Cell Res] Abstract

Glucocorticoid-Induced TNF Receptor-Triggered T Cells Are Key Modulators for Survival/Death of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Induced by Ischemic Stroke
Researchers show, by using a murine model of cortical infarction, that glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor (GITR) triggering on CD4⁺ T cells increases poststroke inflammation and decreases the number of neural stem/progenitor cells induced by ischemia. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract

RNAi Screening in Glioma Stem-Like Cells Identifies PFKFB4 as a Key Molecule Important for Cancer Cell Survival
In the present study, investigators utilized RNA interference (RNAi) to screen the complete human kinome and phosphatome (682 and 180 targets, respectively) in order to identify genes and pathways relevant for the survival of brain cancer stem-like cells and thereby potential therapeutical targets for glioblastoma. [Oncogene] Abstract

The Role of PSD-95 and Cypin in Morphological Changes in Dendrites Following Sublethal NMDA Exposure
Researchers hypothesized that PSD-95 and its cytosolic interactor (cypin) may play a role in altering dendrite morphology and spine number in response to sublethal NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

UNMC Creates Nebraska Neuroscience Alliance
In an effort to better serve people with developmental and degenerative diseases of the nervous system, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) physicians, allied health practitioners and scientists have formed the Nebraska Neuroscience Alliance. [University of Nebraska Medical Center] Press Release

Pearl Meister Greengard Prize Awarded to Pioneering Memory Researcher Brenda Milner
Brenda Milner, Ph.D., a pioneer in the field of cognitive neuroscience whose discoveries revolutionized the understanding of memory, was awarded the 2011 Pearl Meister Greengard Prize from The Rockefeller University. [PR Newswire] Press Release

UCSF Training Program Attracts Best Minds in Developmental, Stem Cell Biology
Fittingly enough for a University where embryonic stem cells were first discovered in mice and named, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has launched a pioneering program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology. [University of California, San Francisco] 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) 

Lab Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (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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