Neural Cell News Volume 5.45 | Nov 16 2011

Neuronal Filtering of Multiplexed Odor Representations
Using optogenetic manipulations and odor stimulation, researchers found that firing rate responses of neurons in the posterior zone of the dorsal telencephalon were largely insensitive to oscillatory synchrony of mitral cells because passive membrane properties and synaptic currents act as low-pass filters. [Nature] Abstract

Deregulation of TDP-43 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Triggers Nuclear Factor κB–Mediated Pathogenic Pathways
In this study, investigators report that TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and nuclear factor κB p65 messenger RNA and protein expression is higher in spinal cords in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients than healthy individuals. [J Exp Med] Abstract | Press Release

Cytokinesis Remnants Define First Neuronal Asymmetry In Vivo
Scientists show here that, in Drosophila melanogaster neurons in vivo, the first membrane deformation occurred 3.6 min after precursor division. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Experience-Dependent Plasticity of Mature Adult-Born Neurons
Researchers find that the two main types of adult-born neurons in the mouse olfactory bulb undergo experience-dependent plasticity long after maturation and integration, as evidenced by stabilization of synaptic turnover rates. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

FGF Signaling Inhibits Neural Induction in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers have systematically investigated the specific roles of three signaling pathways, TGFβ/SMAD2, BMP/SMAD1, and FGF/ERK, in promoting the transition of human embryonic stem cells into the neuroectoderm lineage. [EMBO J] Abstract

Wnt Signaling and a Smad Pathway Blockade Direct the Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Multipotent Neural Crest Cells
In this report, researchers use small-molecule compounds in a single-step method for the efficient generation of self-renewing neural crest-like stem cells in chemically defined media. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA]
Abstract | Press Release

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 Cerebellar Disease Requires the Coordinated Action of Mutant Ataxin-7 in Neurons and Glia, and Displays Non-Cell-Autonomous Bergmann Glia Degeneration
To further define the cellular basis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, researchers derived a conditional inactivation mouse model by inserting a loxP-flanked ataxin-7 cDNA with 92 repeats into the translational start site of the murine prion protein gene in a bacterial artificial chromosome. [J Neurosci]
Abstract | Press Release

Interleukin-1β: A New Regulator of the Kynurenine Pathway Affecting Human Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Here, investigators show for the first time how interleukin-1β, a pro-inflammatory cytokine shown to be increased in depressed patients, decreases neurogenesis in human hippocampal progenitor cells. [Neuropsychopharmacology] Abstract

Transplantation of Porcine Umbilical Cord Matrix Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
The present study compared mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord matrix (UCM-MSCs) with bone marrow of miniature pigs on their phenotypic profiles and ability to differentiate in vitro into osteocytes, adipocytes and neuron-like cells. This study further evaluated the therapeutic potential of UCM-MSCs in a mouse Parkinson’s disease model. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Differential Inhibitor Sensitivity of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Variants Found in Neuroblastoma
Here, researchers assessed the ability of crizotinib to inhibit proliferation of neuroblastoma cell lines and xenografts expressing mutated or wild-type anaplastic lymphoma kinase. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract

Getting on Your Nerves: $1.4 Million NIH Grant To Study the Regeneration of Nerves
With a new $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Deanna Thompson, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will investigate a promising new method to heal traumatic nerve damage, using electrical stimulation to prime and pump neuronal growth. [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute] Press Release

NIAAA Researcher Wins Prestigious Neuroscience Prize
Xin Jin, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health, received the Peter and Patricia Gruber International Research Award from the Society for Neuroscience during the society’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. [National Institutes of Health] Press Release

Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies Launch Healthy Minds Initiative to Spur Neuroscience Collaboration and Support Millions Suffering from Brain Disorders
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced the launch of Healthy Minds, a comprehensive initiative to accelerate progress in the fight against brain disorders that affect millions of people around the world. [International Mental Health Research Organization] Press Release

Lentigen and UH Case Medical Center Initiate Phase I Trial Using Gene Therapy and Bone Marrow Stem Cells in the Treatment of Brain Cancer
University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Lentigen Corporation announced the initiation of a novel Phase I clinical trial of LG631 gene therapy for the protection of hematopoietic stem cells from the dose limiting toxicity of chemotherapy with Temodar. [University Hospitals] Press Release

Intellect Neurosciences Obtains Two New Patents in Japan for Its Alzheimer’s Immunotherapy Programs
Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. announces that the Japanese Patent Office has granted the company two new patents for its Alzheimer’s immunotherapy programs. [Intellect Neurosciences, Inc.] Press Release

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2011-29021) [National Institutes of Health, 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)

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)

Scientific Marketing Communications Specialist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Lab Technologist Position (Michigan State University)

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

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