Neural Cell News Volume 8.03 | Jan 29 2014

LRRK2 Regulates Synaptogenesis and Dopamine Receptor Activation through Modulation of PKA Activity
Findings revealed a previously unknown regulatory role for leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) in protein kinase A (PKA) signaling and suggest a pathogenic mechanism of striatal projection neuron dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

TBC1D24 Regulates Neuronal Migration and Maturation through Modulation of the ARF6-Dependent Pathway
Findings demonstrate an essential role of TBC1 domain family member 24 (TBC1D24) in neuronal migration and maturation and highlight the physiological relevance of the ARF6-dependent membrane-trafficking pathway in brain development. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Delayed Transplantation of Precursor Cell-Derived Astrocytes Provides Multiple Benefits in a Rat Model of Parkinsons
In addition to dopaminergic neuron loss, it is clear that Parkinson disease includes other pathological changes, including loss of additional neuronal populations. As a means of addressing multiple pathological changes with a single therapeutically-relevant approach, researchers employed delayed transplantation of a unique class of astrocytes, GDAs^BMP, that are generated in vitro by directed differentiation of glial precursors. [EMBO Mol Med] Full Article | Press Release

Cross-Regulation of Connexin43 and β-Catenin Influences Differentiation of Human Neural Progenitor Cells
Scientists explored the function of Connexin43 in the differentiation of human neural progenitor cells using viral vectors that mediate the overexpression or knockdown of the protein. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Physiological Normoxia and Absence of EGF Is Required for the Long-Term Propagation of Anterior Neural Precursors from Human Pluripotent Cells
Investigators describe a new methodology to generate cryo-preservable human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursor cells that retain an anterior identity and are propagatable long-term prior to terminal differentiation, thus abrogating regular de novo neuralization. [PLoS One] Full Article

Effect of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NR2B Subunit Antagonist Ifenprodil on Precursor Cell Proliferation in the Hippocampus
Scientists examined the contribution of the NR2B N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit to adult neurogenesis/ cell proliferation under physiological conditions and following an excitotoxic insult. [J Neurosci Res] Abstract

Conditioned Medium of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mediates Protection in Neurons following Glutamate Excitotoxicity by Regulating Energy Metabolism and GAP-43 Expression
Researchers investigated the neuroprotective effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on cortical neurons using models of glutamate excitotoxicity. Compared to untreated control groups, AMSCs and AMSC-conditioned-medium partially and similarly reduced neuronal cell damages, as indicated by reduced lactate dehydrogenase release, a decreased number of trypan-positive cells and a decline in the number of apoptotic nuclei. [Metab Brain Dis] Full Article

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Cedars-Sinai Clinical Trial Studies Vaccine Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Brain Cancers
An early-phase clinical trial of an experimental vaccine that targets cancer stem cells in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor, has been launched by researchers at Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Neurosurgery, Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center and Department of Neurology. [Cedars-Sinai] Press Release

Minister Sherlock Opens Ireland’s First Human Use Stem Cell Manufacturing Facility at NUI Galway
The Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland at NUI Galway is the first ever facility on the island of Ireland to receive a license from the Irish Medicines Board to manufacture culture-expanded stem cells for human use. [National University of Ireland, Galway] Press Release