Neural Cell News Volume 7.30 | Jul 31 2013

Polyglutamine Domain Flexibility Mediates the Proximity between Flanking Sequences in Huntingtin
Using Förster resonance energy transfer, scientists described an intramolecular proximity between the N17 domain and the downstream polyproline region that flanks the polyglutamine tract of huntingtin. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release

N-Acetylcysteine Amide (NACA) Augments the Therapeutic Effect of Neural Stem Cell-Based Anti-Glioma Oncolytic Virotherapy
Investigators assessed the role of a novel anti-oxidant thiol, NACA, to prevent oncolytic adenovirus-mediated toxicity towards neural stem cells carriers in an orthotropic glioma xenograft mouse model. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Glial Scar Borders Are Formed by Newly Proliferated, Elongated Astrocytes that Interact to Corral Inflammatory and Fibrotic Cells via STAT3-Dependent Mechanisms after Spinal Cord Injury
Selective deletion of STAT3 from astroglia quantifiably disrupted the organization of elongated astroglia into scar borders, and caused a failure of astroglia to surround inflammatory cells, resulting in increased spread of these cells and neuronal loss. [J Neurosci] Abstract

p63 Regulates Adult Neural Precursor and Newly Born Neuron Survival to Control Hippocampal-Dependent Behavior
Conditional ablation of p63 in adult neural precursor cells (NPCs) or p63 haploinsufficiency led to reduced numbers of NPCs and newborn neurons in the neurogenic zones of the hippocampus and lateral ventricles and in the olfactory bulb. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Differential Effect of Long-Term Drug Selection with Doxorubicin and Vorinostat on Neuroblastoma Cells with Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics
Researchers investigated whether long-term doxorubicin treatment could expand the neuroblastoma cells with cancer stem cells characteristics and histone acetylation could affect stemness gene expression during the development of drug resistance. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Abdominal-B and Caudal Inhibit the Formation of Specific Neuroblasts in the Drosophila Tail Region
Scientists showed that the regulatory isoform of Abdominal-B not only confers abdominal fate to specific neuroblasts and regulates programmed cell death of several progeny cells within certain neuroblast lineages in parasegment 14, but also inhibits the formation of a specific set of neuroblasts in parasegment 15. [Development] Abstract

Later Passage Neural Progenitor Cells from Neonatal Brain Are More Permissive for Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Neural progenitor/stem cells cultures derived at different gestational ages were evaluated after short and extended in vitro passage for biological and virological parameters. [J Virol] Abstract

DNA Damage in Mammalian Neural Stem Cells Leads to Astrocytic Differentiation Mediated by BMP2 Signaling through JAK-STAT
Researchers showed that, following ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage, neural stem cells enter irreversible proliferative arrest with features of cellular senescence. [Stem Cell Rep] Abstract | Full Article

Motile Axonal Mitochondria Contribute to the Variability of Presynaptic Strength
Using hippocampal neurons and slices of syntaphilin knockout mice, researchers demonstrated that the motility of axonal mitochondria correlates with presynaptic variability. [Cell Rep]
Abstract | Full Article | Press Release | Video Abstract | Graphical Abstract

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ImmunoCellular Therapeutics Announces Initiation of Phase I Trial of Cancer Vaccine ICT-121 in Recurrent Glioblastoma
ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd. announced initiation of a Phase I clinical trial of cancer vaccine ICT-121 as a potential treatment for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. [ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd.] Press Release

BrainStorm’s NurOwn Cell Therapy Receives Orphan Drug Designation in the European Union for ALS
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics announced that the European Commission has granted Orphan Drug Designation for NurOwn™, the Company’s stem cell therapy consisting of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells secreting neurotrophic factors, for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). [BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics] Press Release

StemCells, Inc. Launches Alzheimer’s Disease Program Supported by California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
StemCells, Inc. announced that it has formally launched its Alzheimer’s disease program, which is being supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. [StemCells, Inc.] Press Release

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