Neural Cell News Volume 8.09 | Mar 12 2014

Microglia Induce Motor Neuron Death via the Classical NF-κB Pathway in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Researchers showed that selective nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) astrocytes is not sufficient to rescue motor neuron (MN) death. However, the localization of NF-κB activity and subsequent deletion of NF-κB signaling in microglia rescued MNs from microglial-mediated death in vitro and extended survival in ALS mice by impairing proinflammatory microglial activation. [Neuron] Abstract

Dendrite Self-Avoidance Requires Cell-Autonomous Slit/Robo Signaling in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells
Scientists report a role for the secreted molecule Slit2 and its receptor Robo2 in self-avoidance of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). Both molecules are highly expressed by PCs, and their deletion leads to excessive dendrite self-crossing without affecting arbor size and shape. [Neuron] Abstract

Identification of a Cellular Node for Motor Control Pathways
The authors identified a population of molecularly defined motor synergy encoder neurons in the mouse spinal cord that may represent a central node in neural pathways for voluntary and reflexive movement. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

A Role for Bicaudal-D2 in Radial Cerebellar Granule Cell Migration
Bicaudal-D2 (BICD2)-deficient mice develop disrupted laminar organization of cerebral cortex and the cerebellum, pointing to impaired radial neuronal migration. Using astrocyte and granule cell specific inactivation of BICD2, investigators showed that the cerebellar migration defect is entirely dependent upon BICD2 expression in Bergmann glia cells. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Molecular Adaptations of Striatal Spiny Projection Neurons during Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia
Researchers identified distinct cell-type-specific gene-expression changes that occur in subclasses of spiny projection neurons upon induction of a parkinsonian lesion followed by chronic levodopa treatment. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Genome-Wide shRNA Screen Revealed Integrated Mitogenic Signaling between Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in Glioblastoma
Treatment with independent si-/shRNAs against DRD2 or with DRD2 antagonists suppressed the growth of patient-derived glioblastoma lines both in vitro and in vivo. [Oncotarget] Abstract | Press Release

BDNF Pre-Treatment of Human Embryonic-Derived Neural Stem Cells Improves Cell Survival and Functional Recovery after Transplantation in Hypoxic-Ischemic Stroke
Researchers evaluated if pre-treatment of neural stem cells with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) prior to transplantation improves cell engraftment and functional recovery following hypoxic-ischemia. [Cell Transplant] Abstract

Increased Precursor Cell Proliferation after Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease: A Human Study
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used for more than a decade to treat Parkinson’s disease; however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Given the close proximity of the electrode trajectory to areas of the brain known as the “germinal niches,” researchers sought to explore the possibility that DBS influences neural stem cell proliferation locally, as well as more distantly. [PLoS One] Full Article

Isolation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Dopaminergic Progenitors by Cell Sorting for Successful Transplantation
Investigators showed that human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopaminergic (DA) progenitor cells can be efficiently isolated by cell sorting using a floor plate marker, CORIN. They induced DA neurons using scalable culture conditions on human laminin fragment, and the sorted CORIN⁺ cells expressed the midbrain DA progenitor markers, FOXA2 and LMX1A. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the neuroscience field.

ALS Association and Robert Packard Center for ALS Research Announce New Scientific Grant Award
The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research and The ALS Association proudly announce the first scientific grant award from the Winokur Family Research Initiative at the opening of the 14th Annual Robert Packard Center for ALS Research Symposium. [The ALS Association] Press Release

OHSU Announces Creation of New Embryonic Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Center
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) announced the creation of the OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, Ph.D. The center will allow Mitalipov and his team to accelerate their pioneering work, which over the last several years has opened up new routes that could lead to cures and treatments for Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and a range of other conditions caused by diseased or injured cells in the human body. [Oregon Health & Science University] Press Release

Cellectar Announces Initiation of Phase II Imaging Trial with I-124-CLR1404 in Patients with Newly Diagnosed or Recurrent Glioblastoma
Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. announced enrollment of the first patient in its Phase II imaging trial of I-124-CLR1404 in patients with glioblastoma. [Cellectar Biosciences, Inc.] Press Release

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Positive Interim Data from Primate Study Parkinson’s Disease Cell Therapy
International Stem Cell Corporation announced positive data from the first interim analysis of the ongoing IND-enabling pharmacology/toxicology primate study being conducted under the supervision of Professor D. Eugene Redmond Jr. MD, of Yale University Medical School. [International Stem Cell Corporation] Press Release

From our sponsor:
Learn About Groundbreaking Applications for Feeder-Free hESC & hiPSC Culture Watch Webinar Now

NEW Fraunhofer Life Science Symposium: Medicinal Stem Cell Products
October 9-14, 2014
Leipzig, Germany