Neural Cell News Volume 7.50 | Dec 18 2013

Teneurin-4 Promotes Cellular Protrusion Formation and Neurite Outgrowth through Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling
Teneurin-4 (Ten-4), a transmembrane protein, is highly expressed in the central nervous system; however, its cellular and molecular function in neuronal differentiation remains unknown. Investigators elucidated the function of Ten-4 in neurite outgrowth. [Faseb J] Abstract

Properties of Cholinergic and Non-Cholinergic Submucosal Neurons Along the Mouse Colon
The progeny of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-Cre X ROSA26R-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) reporter mice express YFP in every neuron that has ever expressed ChAT. With the aid of the robust YFP staining in these mice, researchers correlated the neurochemistry, morphology and electrophysiology of submucosal neurons in distal colon. [J Physiol] Abstract

Diazinon and Diazoxon Impair the Ability of Astrocytes to Foster Neurite Outgrowth in Primary Hippocampal Neurons
The authors investigated the effects of diazinon and diazoxon on the ability of astrocytes to foster neurite outgrowth in primary hippocampal neurons. [Toxicol Appl Pharmacol] Abstract

Dissociated Neurons and Glial Cells Derived from Rat Inferior Colliculi after Digestion with Papain
No adequate model for cells dissociated from the inferior colliculus (IC) has been described and was thus the aim of this study. Therefore, IC were isolated from neonatal rats and a dissociated cell culture was established. [PLoS One] Full Article

ERK Inhibition with PD184161 Mitigates Brain Damage in a Mouse Model of Stroke
It has previously been shown that blocking activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) with the MEK inhibitor U0126 mitigates brain damage in rodent models of ischemic stroke. Investigators showed that the newer MEK inhibitor PD184161 reduces cell death and altered gene expression in cultured neurons and mice undergoing excitotoxicity, and has similar protective effects in a mouse model of stroke. [J Neural Transm] Abstract

Ventral Midbrain Neural Stem Cells Have Delayed Neurogenic Potential In Vitro
Researchers assessed the neurogenic capacity of older ventral midbrain neural stem cells (NSCs). When older NSCs were differentiated for three weeks, there were significant increases in the numbers of newly-born neurons at 14 and 21 days, as assessed by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation. [Neurosci Lett] Abstract

Inhibition of PKR Protects Against Tunicamycin-Induced Apoptosis in Neuroblastoma Cells
Researchers examined the involvement of double stranded RNA-activated protein kinase PKR in tunicamycin-induced apoptosis. They used overexpression of the trans-dominant negative, catalytically inactive mutant K296R to inhibit PKR activity in neuroblastoma cells. [Gene] Abstract

Analysis of the Anti-Epileptic, Ethosuximide Impacts on Neurogenesis of Rat Forebrain Stem Cells
The authors examined the ability of ethosuximide, an anticonvulsant drug, to promote neurogenesis in 3-days old rat forebrain cortex stem cells. [Fundam Clin Pharmacol] Abstract

APP Processing in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Is Resistant to NSAID-Based γ-Secretase Modulation
Reasoning that the nonhuman and nonneuronal cells typically used in pharmaceutical compound validation might not adequately reflect the drug responses of human neurons, investigators used human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from Alzheimer’s disease patients and unaffected donors to explore the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-based γ-secretase modulation. [Stem Cell Reports]
Abstract | Press Release

Mechanisms of Oligodendrocyte Regeneration from Ventricular-Subventricular Zone-Derived Progenitor Cells in White Matter Diseases
The authors summarize the recent studies on extrinsic and intrinsic factors, which mediate oligodendrocyte generation from the ventricular-subventricular zone-derived progenitor cells. [Front Cell Neurosci] Abstract

New $7.5 Million Fund to Advance BC’s Research into Alzheimer’s Disease
British Columbian (BC) researchers got a boost with the announcement of a new $7.5 million fund to seek solutions to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, a global public health priority that currently affects up to 70,000 people in the province. [Genome British Columbia] Press Release

BrainStorm Receives $800,000 Non-Dilutive Grant from Israel’s Office of the Chief Scientist
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. announced that Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Ltd. was awarded a $800,000 non-dilutive grant from Israel’s Office of the Chief Scientist for the year 2014. The grant is intended to support BrainStorm’s clinical and product development for its innovative stem cell therapy candidate NurOwn™. [BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

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NEW Gordon Research Conference: Neural Development
August 10-15, 2014
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