Neural Cell News Volume 6.33 | Aug 22 2012

ERK Inhibition Rescues Defects in Fate Specification of Nf1-Deficient Neural Progenitors and Brain Abnormalities
Scientists showed that biallelic neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1) inactivation promotes Erk-dependent, ectopic Olig2 expression specifically in transit-amplifying progenitors, leading to increased gliogenesis at the expense of neurogenesis in neonatal and adult subventricular zone. [Cell] Abstract

Asymmetric Segregation of the Double-Stranded RNA Binding Protein Staufen2 during Mammalian Neural Stem Cell Divisions Promotes Lineage Progression
Researchers found that knockdown of Staufen2 stimulated differentiation and overexpression produces periventricular neuronal masses, demonstrating its functional importance for normal cortical development. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract

Positional Differences of Axon Growth Rates Between Sensory Neurons Encoded by Runx3
Scientists demonstrated the molecular mechanism of another layer of complexity in vertebrates by defining a transcriptional program underlying growth differences between positionally different neurons. [EMBO J] Abstract

Aβ Alters the Connectivity of Olfactory Neurons in the Absence of Amyloid Plaques In Vivo
Researchers demonstrated that the connectivity of the peripheral olfactory neural circuit is perturbed in mice overexpressing human Swedish Mutation before the onset of plaques. [Nat Commun] Abstract

A Role of KLF4 in Neurogenesis and Radial Neuronal Migration in the Developing Cerebral Cortex
Scientists showed that kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) regulates neurogenesis and radial migration of neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. [Mol Cell Biol] Abstract

Substrate Topography and Size Determines the Fate of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Neuronal or Glial Lineage
Investigators hypothesized that substrate topography can modulate the neural fate of human embryonic stem cells and enhance the efficiency of differentiation. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

The Generation of Definitive Neural Stem Cells from PiggyBac Transposon Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Can be Enhanced by Induction of the NOTCH Signaling Pathway
Researchers discovered that the induction of the NOTCH pathway by delta-like ligand 4 improved the generation and quality of definitive neural stem cells (NSCs) while maintaining NSC specific gene expression. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Three-Dimensional Invasion of Human Glioblastoma Cells Remains Unchanged by X-ray and Carbon Ion Irradiation In Vitro
Scientists evaluated the migration and invasion capability of glioblastoma cells on and in collagen type I upon irradiation with X-rays or carbon ions. [Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys] Abstract

Passive Immunization with Tenascin-R (TN-R) Polyclonal Antibody Promotes Axonal Regeneration and Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Investigators report on rabbit-derived TN-R polyclonal antibody, which acted as a TN-R antagonist with high titer and high specificity, promoted neurite outgrowth and sprouting of rat cortical neurons cultured on an inhibitory TN-R substrate in vitro. [Neurosci Lett] Abstract

Getting Neural Circuits into Shape with Semaphorins
This review discusses recent advances in semaphorin research, focusing on novel aspects of neuronal semaphorin receptor regulation and previously unexplored cellular functions of semaphorins in the nervous system. [Nat Rev Neurosci] Abstract

Distributed Synergistic Plasticity and Cerebellar Learning
This review discusses the main forms of long-term plasticity in the cerebellar cortex that underlie motor learning. [Nat Rev Neurosci] Abstract

ReNeuron Receives DSMB Clearance to Progress to Higher Dose in Stem Cell Clinical Trial in Disabled Stroke Patients: First Patient Treated in this Higher Dose Cohort 
The independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB) has recommended that the clinical trial advances to the evaluation of a higher dose of ReN001 in the third of four dose cohorts to be treated in this phase I study. [ReNeuron Group] Press Release

InSightec Receives FDA Approval to Begin Phase I Parkinson’s Trial
InSightec Ltd. announced that it has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin a phase I clinical trial evaluating the use of its ExAblate® Neuro system for the treatment of patients with tremor dominant Parkinson’s Disease. [InSightec Ltd.] Press Release

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW The Jerusalem International Conference on Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Modifiability
March 10-13, 2013
Jerusalem, Israel

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