Neural Cell News Volume 5.47 | Nov 30 2011

Nonmyelinating Schwann Cells Maintain Hematopoietic Stem Cell Hibernation in the Bone Marrow Niche
Researchers propose that glial cells are components of a bone marrow niche and maintain hematopoietic stem cell hibernation by regulating activation of latent TGF-β. [Cell] Abstract

Excitation-Induced Ataxin-3 Aggregation in Neurons from Patients with Machado-Joseph Disease
Here researchers show that _L-glutamate-induced excitation of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons initiates Ca²⁺-dependent proteolysis of ataxin 3 followed by the formation of SDS-insoluble aggregates. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Transplanted Hypothalamic Neurons Restore Leptin Signaling and Ameliorate Obesity in db/db Mice
Researchers found that donor neurons differentiated and integrated as four distinct hypothalamic neuron subtypes, formed functional excitatory and inhibitory synapses, partially restored leptin responsiveness, and ameliorated hyperglycemia and obesity in postnatal leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice. [Science]
Abstract | Press Release

Optical Recording of Action Potentials in Mammalian Neurons Using a Microbial Rhodopsin
Reliable optical detection of single action potentials in mammalian neurons has been one of the longest-standing challenges in neuroscience. Here investigators achieved this goal by using the endogenous fluorescence of a microbial rhodopsin protein, Archaerhodopsin 3 from Halorubrum sodomense, expressed in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. [Nat Methods] Abstract

Coordinated Regulation of Cholinergic Motor Neuron Traits through a Conserved Terminal Selector Gene
Researchers show here that, in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, all members of the cholinergic gene battery, as well as many other markers of terminal motor neuron fate, are co-regulated by a shared cis-regulatory signature and a common trans-acting factor, the phylogenetically conserved COE (Collier, Olf, EBF)-type transcription factor UNC-3. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

SAG/RBX2/ROC2 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Is Essential for Vascular and Neural Development by Targeting NF1 for Degradation
Scientists report a critical role for SAG in controlling vascular and neural development by modulating RAS activity via promoting degradation of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). [Dev Cell] Abstract

Wiring Economy and Volume Exclusion Determine Neuronal Placement in the Drosophila Brain
Here researchers tested whether wiring economy together with volume exclusion can explain the placement of neurons in a module of the Drosophila melanogaster brain known as lamina cartridge. [Curr Biol] Abstract

Significance of Remyelination by Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Transplanted into the Injured Spinal Cord
Oligodendrocytes derived from grafted neural stem/progenitor cells remyelinate spared axons in the injured spinal cord. Here, researchers studied the extent of this remyelination’s contribution to functional recovery following contusive spinal cord injury in mice. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Striatal Dysfunctions Associated with Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Dopaminergic Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Researchers used a mouse model expressing a mitochondria-targeted restriction enzyme, PstI or mito-PstI, to damage mitochondrial DNA in dopaminergic neurons. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Ubiquitin Homeostasis Is Critical for Synaptic Development and Function
Here, researchers show that transgenic complementation of ataxia (ax^J) mice with neuronally expressed ubiquitin prevents early postnatal lethality, restores muscle mass, and corrects developmental and functional deficits resulting from the loss of Usp14, demonstrating that ubiquitin deficiency is a major cause of the neurological defects observed in the ax^J mice. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Dr. Andrew B. Lassman Named Chief of Neuro-Oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
Dr. Andrew B. Lassman has joined the Neurological Institute at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center as chief of neuro-oncology, a new program focusing on caring for patients with brain tumors and metastases as well as research into new treatments. [NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital]
Press Release

Cambridge-Elan Centre for Research Innovation and Drug Discovery Launched
The Cambridge-Elan Centre for Research Innovation and Drug Discovery will provide a highly interdisciplinary environment uniquely positioned for delivering world-leading translational research focused on innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. [Elan Corporation, plc.] Press Release

Civitas Therapeutics Announces Award of Michael J. Fox Foundation Grant and Lead Drug Candidate for Parkinson’s Disease
The grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research will support the clinical development of CVT-301, which has the potential to produce rapid, consistent and durable relief from debilitating motor fluctuations associated with Parkinson’s disease. [Civitas Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

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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)

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