Neural Cell News Volume 8.07 | Feb 26 2014

Restoring Visual Function to Blind Mice with a Photoswitch that Exploits Electrophysiological Remodeling of Retinal Ganglion Cells
Investigators report a chemical photoswitch named DENAQ that restores retinal responses to white light of intensity similar to ordinary daylight. DENAQ confers light sensitivity on a hyperpolarization-activated inward current that is enhanced in degenerated retina, enabling optical control of retinal ganglion cell firing. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release | Download Video Abstract

Pioneering Axons Regulate Neuronal Polarization in the Developing Cerebral Cortex
Scientists showed that neuronal polarization occurs in a microenvironment in the lower intermediate zone, where the cell adhesion molecule transient axonal glycoprotein-1 is expressed in cortical efferent axons. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release

Palmitoylation of δ-Catenin by DHHC5 Mediates Activity-Induced Synapse Plasticity
Researchers demonstrate that the intracellular cadherin binding protein δ-catenin is transiently palmitoylated by DHHC5 after enhanced synaptic activity and that palmitoylation increases δ-catenin-cadherin interactions at synapses. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

Random Monoallelic Gene Expression Increases upon Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Random autosomal monoallelic gene expression refers to the transcription of a gene from one of two homologous alleles. Researchers assessed the dynamics of monoallelic expression during development through an allele-specific RNA-sequencing screen in clonal populations of hybrid mouse embryonic stem cells and neural progenitor cells. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

Intercellular Propagated Misfolding of Wild-Type Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase Occurs via Exosome-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Using NSC-34 motor neuron-like cells, scientists demonstrated that misfolded mutant and human wild-type Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase can traverse between cells via two nonexclusive mechanisms: protein aggregates released from dying cells and taken up by macropinocytosis, and exosomes secreted from living cells. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release

Glycan-Dependent Binding of Galectin-1 to Neuropilin-1 Promotes Axonal Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury
Investigators showed that galectin-1, an endogenous glycan-binding protein, selectively bound to the neuropilin-1/PlexinA4 receptor complex in injured neurons through a glycan-dependent mechanism, interrupts the semaphorin 3A pathway and contributes to axonal regeneration and locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract

Umbilical Cord Blood Cells Regulate the Differentiation of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells in Hypoxic Ischemic Neonatal Rats via the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Researchers explored the effects of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell transplantation on the differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells and their underlying mechanisms. [Brain Res] Abstract

Human Adult White Matter Progenitor Cells Are Multipotent Neuroprogenitors Similar to Adult Hippocampal Progenitors
Data show that adult neural progenitor cells (aNPC) from subcortical white matter are multipotent NPC with long-term expandability similar to NPC from hippocampus, making them a more easily accessible source for possible autologous NPC-based treatment strategies. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

Intrinsically Active and Pacemaker Neurons in Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neuronal Populations
By using mouse embryonic stem cells, researchers provide evidence for the existence of intrinsically active neurons in pluripotent stem cell-neuronal networks based on extracellular multielectrode array and intracellular patch-clamp recordings. [Stem Cell Rep] Abstract | Full Article | Graphical Abstract

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Living Cell Technologies Limited: Statement on NTCELL Phase I Clinical Trial
Living Cell Technologies Limited provided a statement of facts regarding the withdrawal from publication of a pre-clinical study of NTCELL and the impact of this on the clinical trial underway at Auckland City Hospital. [Living Cell Technologies Limited] Press Release

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NEW Cell Culture World Congress Asia
October 21-23, 2014
Seoul, South Korea