Neural Cell News Volume 5.49 | Dec 14 2011

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    Neural Cell News 5.49, December 14, 2011

         In this issue: Publications | Industry News | Policy News | Events | Jobs
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    TOP STORY
    Research Could Help People with Declining Sense of Smell
    Neuroscientists have discovered a genetic trigger that makes the nose renew its smell sensors. The gene tells olfactory stem cells to mature into the sensory neurons that detect odors and relay that information to the brain. [Press release from the University of California, Berkeley discussing online prepublication in Neuron] Press Release | Abstract

    Open Access JoVE Protocol: Discriminating NSCs from NPCs with the NeuroCult™ NCFC Assay

    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by Impact Factor of the Journal)

    A Photon-Driven Micromotor Can Direct Nerve Fiber Growth
    Investigators have developed an optical-based system to control the direction of growth of individual axons using laser-driven spinning birefringent spheres. [Nat Photonics] Abstract

    Guanylate Binding Protein 1 Is a Novel Effector of EGFR-Driven Invasion in Glioblastoma
    In this study, researchers show that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation promoted guanylate binding protein 1 expression in glioblastoma multiforme cell lines through a signaling pathway involving Src and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. [J Exp Med] Abstract | Press Release

    GABAergic Circuits Mediate the Reinforcement-Related Signals of Striatal Cholinergic Interneurons
    Here scientists describe the synaptic organization of a previously unknown circuit that involves direct nicotinic excitation of several classes of GABAergic interneurons, including neuroptide Y-expressing neurogilaform neurons, and enables cholinergic interneurons to exert rapid inhibitory control of the activity of projection neurons. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

    Neuregulin 1 Represses Limbic Epileptogenesis through ErbB4 in Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons
    Using rodent models, here investigators show that limbic seizure activity upregulated neuregulin 1 (NRG1)-ErbB4 signaling and that epileptogenesis was inhibited by infusing NRG1 intracerebrally but exacerbated by neutralizing endogenous NRG1 with soluble ErbB4 extracellular domain, by inhibiting ErbB4 activation or by deleting the Erbb4 gene. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

    Transient Receptor Potential A1 Channels Regulate Astrocyte Resting Calcium and Inhibitory Synapse Efficacy through GAT-3
    Here, using a membrane-tethered, genetically encoded calcium indicator, researchers report the serendipitous discovery of a new type of Ca2+ signal in rat hippocampal astrocyte-neuron cocultures. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

    Neuregulin 1 Regulates Excitability of Fast-Spiking Neurons through Kv1.1 and Acts in Epilepsy
    Researchers hypothesized that downregulation of neuregulin 1-ErbB4 signaling in fast-spiking, parvalbumin-positive interneurons is involved in epilepsy. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

    A Critical Role for the PAR-1/MARK-tau Axis in Mediating the Toxic Effects of Aβ on Synapses and Dendritic Spines
    Using primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons as a model system, investigators show that the PAR-1/MARK family kinases act as critical mediators of amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity on synapses and dendritic spines. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

    Lack of a p21waf1/cip-Dependent G1/S Checkpoint in Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells After DNA Damage In Vivo
    Researchers employed staggered EdU/BrdU double-labeling in vivo to investigate the cell cycle progression and the role of p21waf1/cip in the DNA damage response of neural stem and progenitor cells after exposure of the developing mouse cortex to ionizing radiation. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    Epigenetic Enhancement of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling Rescues Synaptic Plasticity in Aging
    Here investigators demonstrated age-dependent deficits in long-term synaptic plasticity and loss of dendritic spines in the hippocampus of aged Fisher 344 rats, which were closely associated with reduced histone acetylation, upregulation of histone deacetylase 2, and decreased expression of a histone acetyltransferase. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

    Efficient Conversion of Astrocytes to Functional Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Using a Single Polycistronic Vector
    Researchers report the reprogramming of astrocytes to dopaminergic neurons using three transcription factors – ASCL1, LMX1B, and NURR1 – delivered in a single polycistronic lentiviral vector. [PLoS One] Abstract | Press Release

    Neurosphere or Adherent Monolayer Culture? NeuroCult Does Both.

    INDUSTRY NEWS

    American Academy of Neurology Launches New Medical Journal
    The American Academy of Neurology launched a new medical journal, called Neurology® Clinical Practice, to help doctors best treat the one in six people worldwide who have a neurologic disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy or stroke. [American Academy of Neurology] Press Release

    Regulus Therapeutics Initiates an Orphan and Rare Disease MicroRNA Therapeutic Effort in Brain Cancer
    Regulus Therapeutics Inc. announced the initiation of a new discovery effort in microRNA therapeutics for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. [Regulus Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

    Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission Issues Supplement to FY 2012 RFAs – Collaborative Research Opportunity with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
    The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission announced the second year of a pilot a program that provides an opportunity for collaboration with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. [The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund] Press Release

    POLICY NEWS

    Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Eradication of HIV-1 from CNS Reservoirs: Implications for Therapeutics (R01) (NOT-MH-12-008) [National Institute of Mental Health, United States]

    Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Eradication of HIV-1 from CNS Reservoirs: Implications for Therapeutics (R21) (NOT-MH-12-009)
    [National Institute of Mental Health, United States]

    Meeting to Introduce The Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT) (NOT-NS-12-005)
    [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, United States]

    Stroke Prevention/Intervention Research Program (SPIRP) (U54) (RFA-NS-12-007)
    [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 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)

    EVENTS
    NEW Centre for Regenerative Medicine: Driving Stem Cell Research Towards Therapy
    May 21-22, 2012
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the neural cell community.

    JOB OPPORTUNITIES

    Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies) 

    Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

    Scientific Marketing Communications Specialist (STEMCELL Technologies)

    Research Technologist, Manufacturing Sciences (STEMCELL Technologies)

    Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software)

    Postdoctoral Fellow – Adult Neurogenesis and Neural Signaling (University of Kentucky)

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