Neural Cell News Volume 6.27 | Jul 11 2012

Oligodendroglia Metabolically Support Axons and Contribute to Neurodegeneration
Researchers showed that the most abundant lactate transporter in the central nervous system, monocarboxylate transporter 1 is highly enriched within oligodendroglia and that disruption of this transporter produces axon damage and neuron loss in animal and cell culture models. [Nature] Abstract

Metformin Activates an Atypical PKC-CBP Pathway to Promote Neurogenesis and Enhance Spatial Memory Formation
Scientists showed that an atypical PKC-CBP pathway is essential for the normal genesis of neurons from neural precursors and that metformin activates this pathway to promote rodent and human neurogenesis in culture. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Press Release

Spontaneous Activity Regulates Robo1 Transcription to Mediate a Switch in Thalamocortical Axon Growth
Researchers report that disruption of either the Robo1 or Slit1 genes accelerated the progression of thalamocortical axons in vivo, and interfering with Robo1 signaling restored normal axon growth in electrically silent neurons. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Striatal Dopamine Release Is Triggered by Synchronized Activity in Cholinergic Interneurons
Researchers found that activation of cholinergic interneurons by light flashes that cause only single action potentials in neurons from a small population triggers dopamine release via activation of nicotinic receptors on dopamine axons. [Neuron] Abstract

Localized Netrins Act as Positional Cues to Control Layer-Specific Targeting of Photoreceptor Axons in Drosophila
The authors identified a central role for Netrins and their receptor Frazzled in mediating layer-specific axon targeting in the Drosophila visual system. [Neuron] Abstract

Sushi Domains Confer Distinct Trafficking Profiles on GABA_B Receptors
Results suggest a role for Sushi domains in stabilizing cell surface receptors that could impart different pre- and postsynaptic trafficking itineraries on GABA_B receptors, thereby contributing to their physiological and pathological roles. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Characterization of Two Neuronal Subclasses through Constellation Pharmacology
Researchers describe an approach to identify functionally divergent neurons within a large, heterogeneous neuronal population while simultaneously investigating specific isoforms of signaling molecules expressed in each. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Pharmacological Rescue of Mitochondrial Deficits in iPSC-Derived Neural Cells from Patients with Familial Parkinson’s Disease
The authors observed that cellular vulnerability associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells from familial Parkinson’s disease patients and at-risk individuals could be rescued with coenzyme Q₁₀, rapamycin, or the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 kinase inhibitor GW5074. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

An Improved Genetically Encoded Red Fluorescent Ca²⁺ Indicator for Detecting Optically Evoked Action Potentials
Researchers developed an improved red fluorescent genetically encoded Ca²⁺ indicator, termed R-CaMP1.07, by mutagenizing R-GECO1. These technical advancements provide a novel strategy for monitoring and manipulating neuronal activity with single cell resolution. [PLoS One] Abstract

Biotie Completes Enrollment in Phase IIb Trial of Tozadenant in Parkinson’s Disease
Biotie announced that enrollment is complete in its Phase IIb trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of tozadenant in Parkinson’s disease. Biotie now expects the top-line data from this study to be available at around the end of 2012, whereas previous guidance was H1 2013. [Biotie Therapies Corp.] Press Release

Parkinson’s Vaccine – Worldwide First Clinical Study in Vienna
The worldwide first clinical trial for the development of a Parkinson’s vaccine has now been started by AFFiRiS AG. The vaccine called PD01A is directed against alpha-Synuclein, a protein considered to cause the onset and progression of the disease, and is currently being tested on Parkinson’s patients in a Phase I trial. [AFFiRiS AG] Press Release

New Editor-In-Chief for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Elsevier is pleased to announce that Professor Ted Abel of University of Pennsylvania has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. [Elsevier B.V.] Press Release

Death of Evidence Announcement
To make the public aware of government cuts to federal science programs, Canadians organized a ‘Death of Evidence’ rally to coincide with a large scientific conference taking place in Ottawa. [Death of Evidence, Canada] Press Release

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

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NEW VII Brazilian Congress on Stem Cells and Cell Therapy
October 3-6, 2012
Sao Paulo, Brazil

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

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

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

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

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

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

Research Technologist – Media Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Professorship – Neurobiology (University of Zurich)

Professor – Neuroscience (University of Luxembourg)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Neuroscience (Princeton Neurosciences Institute)

Postdoc/Assistant Investigator – Neuroscience (Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai)

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