Neural Cell News Volume 6.19 | May 16 2012

NGF-Induced Cell Cycle Reentry in Newborn Neurons Is Triggered by p38^MAPK-Dependent E2F4 Phosphorylation
Results indicate that NGF-induced cell cycle reentry in neurons depends on the activation of a novel, cdk4/6-independent pathway that may participate in neurodegeneration. [Mol Cell Biol] Abstract

Characterization of the Spinal Nucleus of the Bulbocavernosus Neuromuscular System in Male Mice Lacking Androgen Receptor in the Nervous System
This work revealed that nervous system androgen receptor is not required either for testosterone (T)-induced development of bulbocavernosus (BC) and levator ani (LA) muscles and perinatal sparing of spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus motoneurons from atrophy or for adult sensitivity of BC-LA muscles to T. [Endocrinology] Abstract

Regulation of Prefrontal Excitatory Neurotransmission by Dopamine in the Nucleus Accumbens Core
Researchers combined optical and electrophysiology recordings in murine slice preparations from CB1 receptor-null mice and green fluorescent protein hemizygotic bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice to show how dopamine regulates glutamatergic synapses specific to the striatonigral and striatopallidal basal ganglia pathways. [J Physiol] Abstract

Functional Coupling of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor, InsP₃ Receptor and L-Type Ca²⁺ Channel in Mouse CA1 Pyramidal Cells
Researchers identified a novel mechanism of the interaction between the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) and calcium signaling, and suggested contribution of mGluR5 to synaptic plasticity. [J Physiol] Abstract

Blocking of Bradykinin Receptor B1 Protects from Focal Closed Head Injury in Mice by Reducing Axonal Damage and Astroglia Activation
Researchers investigated the role of B1R and B2R in a closed head model of focal traumatic brain injury. Increased expression of B1R in the injured hemispheres of wild-type mice was restricted to the later stages after brain trauma. [J Cerebr Blood F Met] Full Article

Generation of NSE-MerCreMer Transgenic Mice with Tamoxifen Inducible Cre Activity in Neurons
To establish a genetic tool for conditional deletion or expression of gene in neurons in a temporally controlled manner, researchers generated a transgenic mouse (NSE-MerCreMer), which expressed a tamoxifen inducible type of Cre recombinase specifically in neurons. [PLoS One] Full Article

Genome-Wide Search Reveals the Existence of a Limited Number of Thyroid Hormone Receptor Alpha Target Genes in Cerebellar Neurons
In order to identify the direct genetic regulation exerted by thyroid hormone (T3) on cerebellar neurons and their precursors, researchers used microarray RNA hybridization to perform a time course analysis of T3 induced gene expression in primary cultures of cerebellar neuronal cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

The Soma and Proximal Dendrites of Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons Innervating the Major Pelvic Ganglion in Female Rats Receive Predominantly Inhibitory Inputs
Results demonstrated that sympathetic preganglionic neurons of the dorsal and intermediolateral commissural nucleus of female rats are similar morphologically, and that synaptic input on these cells, though sparse, is predominantly inhibitory. [Neuroscience] Abstract

TAP Biosystems Collaborates with UK University to Develop Biomimetic 3D CNS Models: Novel Approach Could Contribute to Reducing Number of Pre-Clinical Animal Studies
TAP Biosystems announced that it is collaborating with scientists at The Open University to produce robust 3D human central nervous system tissue models for use in drug discovery and pre-clinical testing. [TAP Biosystems] Press Release

U.S. Launches Ambitious Alzheimer’s Plan with Research Push
The U.S. government launched a national plan to address Alzheimer’s disease with funding for a first prevention study in high-risk patients and tests on an insulin nasal spray that has shown promise in earlier studies. [Reuters] Press Release

Student Wins Prize for Excellence in Neurology
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine student Jason Cuomo has received a 2012 American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology. [Loyola Medicine] Press Release 

A Global Standard for Peer Review
After winning the strong backing of the White House, Subra Suresh convened a meeting of 47 leaders of research funding agencies from 44 countries. At the conclusion of closed-door sessions, the group will issue the first-ever global statement on the principles of merit review. [National Science Foundation, United States] Press Release

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