Neural Cell News Volume 6.32 | Aug 15 2012

Muscleblind-Like 2-Mediated Alternative Splicing in the Developing Brain and Dysregulation in Myotonic Dystrophy
Researchers report that Mbnl2 is prominently expressed in the hippocampus and that Mbnl2 knockouts show a decrease in NMDA receptor synaptic transmission and impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

Spike-Timing-Dependent Potentiation of Sensory Surround in the Somatosensory Cortex Is Facilitated by Deprivation-Mediated Disinhibition
The authors demonstrated that layer 2/3 pyramidal cell synapses in mouse barrel cortex can be potentiated upon pairing of whisker-evoked postsynaptic potentials with action potentials. [Neuron] Abstract

Modulating Inflammatory Monocytes with a Unique MicroRNA Gene Signature Ameliorates Murine ALS
Researchers investigated the role of innate immunity in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). They found that inflammatory monocytes were activated and that their progressive recruitment to the spinal cord, but not brain, correlated with neuronal loss. [J Clin Invest] Abstract | Press Release

The Most Numerous Ganglion Cell Type of the Mouse Retina Is a Selective Feature Detector
Researchers identified and analyzed high-resolution ganglion cells in the mouse retina, using a transgenic line in which these cells were labeled fluorescently. Counter to the expectation, these ganglion cells do not participate in encoding generic visual scenes, but remain silent during most common visual stimuli. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Thyroid Hormone Triggers the Developmental Loss of Axonal Regenerative Capacity via Thyroid Hormone Receptor α1 and Krüppel-Like Factor 9 in Purkinje Cells
Using organotypic culture, researchers found that the loss of axon regenerative capacity was triggered prematurely by early exposure of mouse Purkinje cells to thyroid hormone (T₃), whereas it was delayed in the absence of T₃. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

The Endocannabinoid, Anandamide, Augments Notch-1 Signaling in Cultured Cortical Neurons Exposed to Amyloid-Beta and in the Cortex of Aged Rats
The authors investigated the influence of the endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, on the Notch-1 pathway and on its endogenous regulators in an in vitro model of Alzheimer’s Disease. They report that AEA up-regulates Notch-1 signaling in cultured neurons. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Activation of Transcription Factor MEF2D by Bis(3)-Cognitin Protects Dopaminergic Neurons and Ameliorates Parkinsonian Motor Defects
Dysregulation of transcriptional factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) has been implicated in the pathogenic process in in vivo and in vitro models of Parkinson disease. In this study, researchers identified a small molecule bis(3)-cognitin as a potent activator of MEF2D. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine Alters Ca²⁺ Dynamics in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons: Mitigation by NMDA Blockade and GABAA Receptor Positive Modulation
Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS) is a potent convulsant that is considered a chemical threat agent. Researchers characterized TETS as an activator of spontaneous Ca²⁺ oscillations and electrical burst discharges in mouse hippocampal neuronal cultures at 13-17 days in vitro using FLIPR^® Fluo-4 fluorescence measurements and extracellular microelectrode array recording. [Toxicol Sci] Abstract

Effects of Aβ_1-42 on the Subunits of K_ATP Expression in Cultured Primary Rat Basal Forebrain Neurons
To investigate the effects of Aβ_1-42  on the subunits of K_ATP expression in cultured primary rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, primary rat basal forebrain neurons were cultured and evaluated. [Neurol Res] Abstract

University Hospitals Case Medical Center to Study Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Treatment
A new national study looking at the safety and effectiveness of new medication developed from adult stem cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke has opened at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. The Phase II study will use a cell therapy product called MultiStem® developed by the Cleveland-based biotechnology company Athersys. [University Hospitals Case Medical Center] Press Release

Pfizer Announces Co-Primary Clinical Endpoints Not Met in Second Phase III Bapineuzumab Study in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Who Do Not Carry the Apoe4 Genotype
Pfizer Inc. announced that the co-primary clinical endpoints, change in cognitive and functional performance compared to placebo, were not met in the Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy R&D LLC-led Phase III trial of intravenous bapineuzumab in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease who do not carry the ApoE4 (apolipoprotein E epsilon 4) genotype. [Pfizer Inc.] Press Release

Neuralstem Reports Second Quarter Financial Results and Provides Clinical Program and Business Highlights
Neuralstem, Inc. reported its financial results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2012 and provided clinical program and business highlights. [Neuralstem, Inc.] Press Release

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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