Researchers showed that neural induction and caudalization of human pluripotent stem cells can be accelerated by using a synthetic microengineered substrate system consisting of poly(dimethylsiloxane) micropost arrays with tunable mechanical rigidities. [Nat Mater] Abstract | Press Release Reconstructing and Reprogramming the Tumor-Propagating Potential of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells
Researchers identified a core set of neurodevelopmental transcription factors (TFs) essential for glioblastoma (GBM) propagation. These TFs coordinately bind and activate tumor-propagating cell (TPC)-specific regulatory elements and are sufficient to fully reprogram differentiated GBM cells to “induced” TPCs, recapitulating the epigenetic landscape and phenotype of native TPCs. [Cell] Abstract
Neuronal Activity Promotes Oligodendrogenesis and Adaptive Myelination in the Mammalian Brain
Scientists used optogenetic stimulation of premotor cortex in awake, behaving mice to demonstrate that neuronal activity elicits a mitogenic response of neural progenitor cells and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, promotes oligodendrogenesis and increases myelination within the deep layers of the premotor cortex and subcortical white matter. [Science] Abstract | Press Release
Roles of Heat Shock Factor 1 in Neuronal Response to Fetal Environmental Risks and Its Relevance to Brain Disorders
Researchers showed that exposure of embryos to a variety of environmental factors such as alcohol, methylmercury, and maternal seizure activates heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in cerebral cortical cells. [Neuron] Abstract | Press Release
Lin28a Regulates Neuronal Differentiation and Controls miR-9 Production
Scientists showed that miR-9 is regulated transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally during neuronal differentiation of the embryonic carcinoma cell line P19. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release
Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Prelabelling of Human Neural Precursor Cells
Researchers investigated the biological impact of introducing ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into primary human fetal neural precursor cells in vitro. [Biomaterials] Abstract
CGP37157, an Inhibitor of the Mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger, Protects Neurons from Excitotoxicity by Blocking Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channels
Investigators analyzed how intracellular Ca2+ levels are modulated by CGP37157 during N-methyl-D-aspartate insults in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article
Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase (Nnt) Links the Substrate Requirement in Brain Mitochondria for Hydrogen Peroxide Removal to the Thioredoxin/Peroxiredoxin (Trx/Prx) System
Investigators sought to determine the mechanism linking mitochondrial respiration with hydrogen peroxide catabolism in brain mitochondria and dopaminergic cells. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article
Directed Neurite Growth of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons and Increased Colocalization with Schwann Cells on Aligned Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Electrospun Nanofibers
Coculturing dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells on poly(methyl methacrylate) nanofibers revealed that on aligned nanofibers, neurites and Schwann cells had a higher chance of colocalization than on randomly oriented nanofibers or film. [Brain Res] Abstract
Detailed Analysis of the Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of iPSC-Derived Mesodiencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons
Scientists examined the authenticity of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons obtained by established protocols. They FACS purified mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons derived from mouse iPSCs and primary mdDA neurons to analyze and compare their genetic and epigenetic features. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article