Neural Cell News Volume 7.29 | Jul 24 2013

Synergistic Binding of Transcription Factors to Cell-Specific Enhancers Programs Motor Neuron Identity
Three transcription factors, Ngn2, Isl1 and Lhx3, were sufficient to program rapidly and efficiently spinal motor neuron identity when expressed in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells. Replacement of Lhx3 by Phox2a led to specification of cranial, rather than spinal, motor neurons. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Proteostasis of Polyglutamine Varies Among Neurons and Predicts Neurodegeneration
Researchers used optical pulse labeling to measure effects of polyglutamine (polyQ) expansions on the mean lifetime of a fragment of huntingtin, the protein that causes Huntington’s disease, in living neurons. [Nat Chem Biol] Abstract | Press Release

hESC-Derived Olig²⁺ Progenitors Generate a Subtype of Astroglia with Protective Effects against Ischaemic Brain Injury
Scientists used an Olig2-GFP human embryonic stem cell (hESC) reporter to demonstrate that hESC-derived Olig²⁺ progenitors generate a subtype of previously uncharacterized astroglia (Olig2PC-Astros). These Olig2PC-Astros differ substantially from astroglia differentiated from Olig2-negative hESC-derived neural progenitor cells, particularly in their neuroprotective properties. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Small Molecules Enable Neurogenin 2 to Efficiently Convert Human Fibroblasts into Cholinergic Neurons
Scientists showed that two small molecules enable the transcription factor Neurogenin 2 to convert human fetal lung fibroblasts into cholinergic neurons with high purity and efficiency. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Nanoparticle-Programmed Self-Destructive Neural Stem Cells for Glioblastoma Targeting and Therapy
A three-step glioblastoma-tropic delivery and therapy method using nanoparticle programmed self-destructive neural stem cells (NSCs) is demonstrated in vivo. NSCs eventually undergo cell death and release impregnated MSN-Dox, which subsequently induces toxicity towards surrounding glioma cells. [Small] Abstract

Mutations that Disrupt PHOXB Interaction with the Neuronal Calcium Sensor HPCAL1 Impede Cellular Differentiation in Neuroblastoma
Abrogation of the PHOX2B–HPCAL1 interaction by shRNA knockdown of HPCAL1 in neuroblastoma cells expressing PHOX2B led to impaired neurite outgrowth with transcriptional profiles indicative of inhibited sympathetic neuronal differentiation. [Oncogene] Abstract

Transgenic Overexpression of Sox17 Promotes Oligodendrocyte Development and Attenuates Demyelination
Researchers investigated Sox17 function in white matter development and adult injury with a newly generated transgenic mouse overexpressing Sox17 in the oligodendrocyte lineage under the CNPase promoter. [J Neurosci] Abstract

TGM2 Inhibition Attenuates ID1 Expression in CD44-High Glioma-Initiating Cells
Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) was highly expressed in CD44-high glioblastoma tissues and tumor-derived glioma-initiating cell lines. TGM2 knockdown impaired cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in CD44-high glioma-initiating cell lines. [Neuro-Oncology] Abstract

Developmental Stage Dependent Neural Stem Cells Sensitivity to Methylmercury Chloride on Different Biofunctional Surfaces
Researchers demonstrated that developmental sensitivity of HUCB-neural stem cells (NSC) to methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) depends upon the type of adhesive biomolecules and the geometry of biodomains. Proliferation of HUCB-NSC was diminished in time and MeHgCl concentration dependent manner. [Toxicol In Vitro] Abstract

Resident Adult Neural Stem Cells in Parkinson’s Disease-The Brain’s Own Repair System?
The authors review the reported changes in neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone of Parkinson disease (PD) animal models and PD patients, which are due to a lack of striatal dopamine. Furthermore, they summarize the reports that describe efforts to stimulate NSCs to replace dopaminergic cells in the SN and restore striatal dopamine levels. [Eur J Pharmacol] Abstract

Banner Health, Mayo Clinic Receive Grant to Identify Early Parkinson’s Patients
Researchers from Mayo Clinic Arizona and Banner Sun Health Research Institute are working together on a diagnostic test to identify early Parkinson’s disease in patients thanks to a $152,486 grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. [Banner Health] Press Release

AB Science and Its Partners Receive EUR 8.6 Million as Part of a Project Supported by Bpifrance in Alzheimer’s Disease
AB Science SA announced the creation of a partnership in the development of a new targeted therapy in Alzheimer’s disease. The consortium will receive EUR 8.6 million from Bpifrance within the framework of the Industrial Strategic Innovation program, and gathers together AB Science, the Brain and Spine Institute, MIRCen from the Atomic Energy Commission, the National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Imagine Foundation and Skuldtech, a biotechnology company specialized in the discovery of biomarkers and development of diagnostic and testing tools companions. [FierceBiotechResearch] Press Release