Neural Cell News Volume 6.18 | May 9 2012

Sustained Translational Repression by eIF2α-P Mediates Prion Neurodegeneration
Researchers showed that accumulation of prion protein during prion replication causes persistent translational repression of global protein synthesis by the α-subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF2α-P), associated with synaptic failure and neuronal loss in prion-diseased mice. [Nature] Abstract

Thyroid Hormone Signaling Acts as a Neurogenic Switch by Repressing Sox2 in the Adult Neural Stem Cell Niche
Researchers showed that, in the adult subventricular zone, Thyroid Hormone (T₃) and its receptor, TRα1, together favor neural stem cell commitment and progression toward a migrating neuroblast phenotype; this transition correlates with T₃/TRα1-dependent transcriptional repression of Sox2. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract

Automated Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology of Neurons In Vivo
Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology of neurons is a gold-standard technique for high-fidelity analysis of the biophysical mechanisms of neural computation and pathology, but it requires great skill to perform. Researchers developed a robot that automatically performs patch clamping in vivo, algorithmically detecting cells by analyzing the temporal sequence of electrode impedance changes. [Nat Methods]
Abstract | Press Release

The p150^Glued CAP-Gly Domain Regulates Initiation of Retrograde Transport at Synaptic Termini
Researchers report that the p150^Glued CAP-Gly domain regulates dynein-mediated retrograde transport at synaptic termini, and this function of dynactin is disrupted by a mutation that causes motor neuron disease. [Neuron] Abstract

Connexin 43 Controls the Multipolar Phase of Neuronal Migration to the Cerebral Cortex
Researchers demonstrate that connexin 43 regulates the passage of migrating neurons through their multipolar stage via p27 signaling and that interference with this process, by either genetic and/or environmental factors, may cause cortical malformations. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Deleterious Effects of Neuronal Accumulation of Glycogen in Flies and Mice
Researchers present evidence that the progressive accumulation of glycogen in mouse and Drosophila neurons leads to neuronal loss, locomotion defects and reduced lifespan. [EMBO Mol Med]
Abstract | Press Release

Functional Neuromuscular Junctions Formed by Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Motor Neurons
Scientists report the development of low-density co-culture conditions that encourage the formation of active neuromuscular synapses between stem cell-derived motor neurons and muscle cells in vitro. [PLoS One]
Full Article | Press Release

Pharmacokinetic Study of Neural Stem Cell-Based Cell Carrier for Oncolytic Virotherapy: Targeted Delivery of the Therapeutic Payload in an Orthotopic Brain Tumor Model
Researchers report the characterization of an FDA approved neural stem cell, HB1.F3-CD, as a cell carrier for conditionally replicating adenovirus-S-pk7, a glioma-tropic oncolytic adenovirus. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract

Neuralstem Updates ALS Stem Cell Trial Progress
Neuralstem, Inc. announced that the Federal Drug Administration has approved the return of three patients from earlier cohorts in its ongoing Phase I safety trial to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with its spinal cord stem cells. [Neuralstem, Inc.] Press Release

ALS TDI Partners with Regenesance to Develop Potential Treatment for ALS
The collaboration will enable the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) to screen novel compounds against a crucial pathway implicated in the development and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). [ALS Therapy Development Institute] Press Release

AxoGen, Inc. Initiates Distribution of Avance^® Nerve Graft in Austria
AxoGen, Inc. announced the first commercial shipment of Avance^® Nerve Graft to Austria. Avance^® Nerve Graft is the only commercially available processed nerve allograft for bridging nerve discontinuities. [AxoGen, Inc.] 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)

NEW Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis: From Epigenetics to Behavior
July 12-13, 2012
Barcelona, Spain

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

Scientist – Endothelial Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Epithelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Contract Assay Services (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow in Epigenetic Regulation of Neural Stem Cells (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Postdoctoral Position in Neuronal Cell Biology (University of Basel)

Postdoctoral Position – GIGA-Neurosciences (University of Liège)

Postdoctoral Position – Spinal Cord Neural Stem Cells (Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Neural Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.