Neural Cell News Volume 8.00 | Jan 8 2014

Axonal BACE1 Dynamics and Targeting in Hippocampal Neurons: A Role for Rab11 GTPase
By visualizing β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)-yellow fluorescent protein dynamics using live imaging, researchers demonstrated that BACE1 undergoes bi-directional transport in dynamic tubulo-vesicular carriers along axons in cultured hippocampal neurons and in acute hippocampal slices of transgenic mice. [Mol Neurodgener] Abstract | Full Article

Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Crest Cells Capable of Expressing Markers of Osteochondral or Meningeal-Choroid Plexus Differentiation
The transcriptome and fate potential of three diverse human embryonic stem cell-derived clonal embryonic progenitor cell lines with markers of cephalic neural crest were compared when differentiated in the presence of combinations of transforming growth factor beta 3, bone morphogenetic protein 4, stem cell factor and HyStem-C matrices. [Regen Med] Abstract

Antagonistic Interplay Between Necdin and Bmi1 Controls Proliferation of Neural Precursor Cells in the Embryonic Mouse Neocortex
Researchers showed that necdin serves as a suppressor of neural precursor cell proliferation in the embryonic neocortex. Necdin is moderately expressed in the ventricular zone of mouse embryonic neocortex, in which proliferative cell populations are significantly increased in necdin-null mice. [PLoS One] Full Article

Aberrant Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Increased Adult Neurogenesis in Mice Lacking Chromatin Protein HMGB2
Scientists report that high mobility group B2 knockout (Hmgb2^−/−) mice exhibit lateral ventricle wall (SVZ) hyperproliferation, increased numbers of SVZ neural stem cells, and a trend towards aberrant increases in newly born neurons in the olfactory bulb granule cell layer. [PLoS One] Full Article

Effects of the Root Bark of Paeonia suffruticosa on Mitochondria-Mediated Neuroprotection in an MPTP-Induced Model of Parkinson’s Disease
The authors evaluated the protective effects of Moutan Cortex Radicis on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms and elucidated the underlying mechanisms of action, with a focus on mitochondrial function. [Food Chem Toxicol] Abstract

Reduction of Liver X Receptor β Expression in Primary Rat Neurons by Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides Decreases Secreted Amyloid β Levels
Researchers showed that liver X receptor β inactivation with specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides significantly reduced secreted amyloid β (Aβ) and decreased mRNA levels of Aβ precursor protein 751+770, and α-, β- secretase in primary rat neurons. [Neurosci Lett] Abstract

Generation of iPSC Lines from Archived Non-Cryoprotected Biobanked Dura Mater
Investigators report the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from frozen non-cryoprotected dural tissue. This autopsy cohort included subjects with Alzheimer’s disease and four other neurodegenerative diseases. [Acta Neuropathol Commun] Abstract | Press Release | Full Article

Loss of MEC-17 Leads to Microtubule Instability and Axonal Degeneration
Based on forward genetic screening in C. elegans, researchers identified the α-tubulin acetyltransferase gene mec-17 as causing spontaneous, adult-onset, and progressive axonal degeneration. Loss of MEC-17 leads to microtubule instability, a reduction in mitochondrial number, and disrupted axonal transport, with altered distribution of both mitochondria and synaptic components. [Cell Rep]
Abstract | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

e-Therapeutics Provides Update on ETS2101 Phase I Trial in Brain Cancer
e-Therapeutics plc announced that the investigator-led phase I trial of ETS2101 in brain cancer will continue into 2014. Five dose escalation steps have been completed without any drug-related serious adverse events and the investigator therefore intends to enroll further patients at higher dose levels. [e-Therapeutics plc] Press Release

TauRx Expands Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials in the United States
TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, has expanded its international clinical trials by adding new research centers across the United States. The addition of 35 clinical research centers means that more patients suffering from mild or moderate Alzheimer’s will have an opportunity to see if they qualify for participation in TauRx’s Alzheimer’s clinical trials. [TauRx Therapeutics Ltd] Press Release

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