Neural Cell News Volume 6.39 | Oct 3 2012

p27Kip1 Is a Microtubule-Associated Protein that Promotes Microtubule Polymerization during Neuron Migration
The migration of cortical interneurons is characterized by extensive morphological changes that result from successive cycles of nucleokinesis and neurite branching. Their molecular bases remain elusive, therefore researchers examined how p27Kip1 controls cell-cycle-unrelated signaling pathways to regulate these morphological remodelings. [Dev Cell] Abstract

NKCC1 Knockdown Decreases Neuron Production through GABA_A-Regulated Neural Progenitor Proliferation and Delays Dendrite Development
To examine GABA_A function in vivo, the authors electroporated plasmids encoding short-hairpin RNA against the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) in neural progenitor cells of the neonatal subventricular zone in mice to reduce GABA_A-induced depolarization. [J Neurosci] Abstract

The Nuclear Receptor TLX Is Required for Gliomagenesis within the Adult Neurogenic Niche
Investigators examined the genetic interactions between TLX and several tumor suppressors, as well as the role of TLX-dependent neural stem cells (NSCs) during gliomagenesis, using mouse models. They showed that TLX is essential for the proliferation of adult NSCs with single deletion of p21, p53, Pten, or combined deletion of Pten and p53. [Mol Cell Biol] Abstract

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Activates NF-κB to Enhance Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Prevent Neuropathy in Sensory Neurons of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rodents
Investigators hypothesized that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) protects sensory neuron function during diabetes through normalization of impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics. They also investigated whether the NF-κB signal transduction pathway was mobilized by CNTF. [Neuropharmacology] Abstract

γ-Secretase Inhibitors Prevent Overgrowth of Transplanted Neural Progenitors Derived from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers used γ-secretase inhibitors to dampen Notch signaling in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors before transplantation and examined the effects on the growth of proliferative grafts. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Mitogen- and Stress-Activated Kinases Regulate Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Neuron Development in the Adult Dentate Gyrus
The authors examined the role of the MAPK-regulated kinases, mitogen and stress activated kinase 1 and 2, as regulators of dentate gyrus subgranular zone progenitor cell proliferation and neurogenesis. [J Neurochem] Abstract

Limited Phenotypic Effects of Selectively Augmenting the SMN Protein in the Neurons of a Mouse Model of Severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy
To explore the tissue-specific requirements for survival motor neuron (SMN) and the salutary effects of restoring normal levels of the protein to neuronal tissue of affected individuals, researchers selectively expressed the protein in neurons of mice that model severe SMA. [PLoS One] Full Article

Neuroprotective Actions of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 in Differentiated Human Neuroprogenitor Cells
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies are currently available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, based on their actions on pancreatic β cells. GLP-1 is also known to exert neuroprotective actions. To determine its mechanism of action, scientists developed a neuron-rich cell culture system by differentiating human neuroprogenitor cells in the presence of a combination of neurotrophins and retinoic acid. [J Neurochem] Abstract

Model for Studying Clostridium botulinum Neurotoxin Using Differentiated Motor Neuron-Like NG108-15 Cells
The authors demonstrated that the mouse neuroblastoma/rat glioma hybrid cell line NG108-15 is capable of more sensitively detecting BoNT/A1 than any cell line previously described. This cell line has previously been described to have motor neuron like characteristics, therefore making it a good model to study BoNTs. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Neuralstem Approved to Commence Ischemic Stroke Trial In China
Neuralstem, Inc. announced it has been approved to commence a clinical trial to treat motor deficits due to ischemic stroke with its spinal cord stem cells at BaYi Brain Hospital, in Beijing, China, through its subsidiary, Neuralstem China. [Neuralstem, Inc.] Press Release

StemCells, Inc. Achieves Spinal Cord Injury Milestone with First Neural Stem Cell Transplant into Patient with Sensory Function Below the Level of Injury
StemCells, Inc. announced that the first patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury has been enrolled in the company’s phase I/II clinical trial in chronic spinal cord injury and transplanted with the company’s proprietary HuCNS-SC^® neural stem cells. [StemCells, Inc.] Press Release

Whitehead Members to Help Establish International Stem Cell Research Center
Three Members of the Whitehead Institute faculty are poised to play significant roles in the establishment of a new stem cell research center based at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in suburban Moscow. [Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research] 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 Keystone Symposia: Neurogenesis
February 3-8, 2013
Santa Fe, United States

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Quality Control Operations Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

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

Product Manager – Hematopoietic (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Adult Neural Stem Cell Research (Cleveland Clinic)

Postdoctoral Position – Neurobiology (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Position – Pathophysiology of Brain Tumors (UMR 6301 ISTCT)

Research Associate – Quality Assurance (University of California)

Faculty Member – Pediatric Neuroscience (The University of New Mexico)

Postdoctoral Position(s) – Cell Biology, Biophysics and Neurobiology (University of Missouri, Kansas City)

Postdoctoral Position – Sensory Neuron Morphogenesis (MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology)

Postdoctoral Position – Neuroscience (Stroke) (Louisiana State Univeristy Health Sciences Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Parkinson’s Disease  (University of Genoa)

Postdoctoral Position – Systems Biology of Alzheimer’s Disease (University of Zurich)

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