Neural Cell News Volume 8.18 | May 14 2014

Miniature Neurotransmission Regulates Drosophila Synaptic Structural Maturation
Miniature neurotransmission is the transsynaptic process where single synaptic vesicles spontaneously released from presynaptic neurons induce miniature postsynaptic potentials. Researchers showed that miniature neurotransmission is required for the normal structural maturation of Drosophila glutamatergic synapses in a developmental role that is not shared by evoked neurotransmission. [Neuron]
Abstract | Full Article | Press Release | Video

Mitochondrial Oxidant Stress in Locus Coeruleus Is Regulated by Activity and Nitric Oxide Synthase
Loss of noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons is a prominent feature of aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. To explore possible physiological determinants, scientists studied LC neurons using electrophysiological and optical approaches in ex vivo mouse brain slices. They found that autonomous activity in LC neurons was accompanied by oscillations in dendritic Ca²⁺ concentration that were attributable to the opening of L-type Ca²⁺ channels. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Ankyrin-G Regulates Neurogenesis and Wnt Signaling by Altering the Subcellular Localization of β-Catenin
Researchers described a novel role for ankyrin-G in neural progenitor proliferation in the developing cortex. They found that ankyrin-G regulates canonical Wnt signaling by altering the subcellular localization and availability of β-catenin in proliferating cells. [Mol Psychiatry] Abstract

Specific Ablation of Nampt in Adult Neural Stem Cells Recapitulates Their Functional Defects during Aging
Investigators showed that levels of NAD⁺ and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), the rate‐limiting enzyme in mammalian NAD⁺ biosynthesis, decrease with age in the hippocampus. Ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem/progenitor cells reduced their pool and proliferation in vivo. [EMBO J] Abstract | Press Release

Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Contributes to the Regulation of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Neuronal Development
Researchers hypothesize that gastrin-releasing peptide modulates neurogenesis and neuronal development, and may contribute to hippocampus-associated cognitive impairment. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Nitric Oxide-Induced Neuronal to Glial Lineage Fate-Change Depends on NRSF/REST Function in Neural Progenitor Cells
The authors demonstrated that the nitric oxide-induced neuronal to glial fate conversion is dependent on the transcription factor NRSF/REST. [Stem Cells] Abstract

The Synthetic NCAM Mimetic Peptide FGL Mobilizes Neural Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) mimetic peptide FG Loop (FGL) promotes neuronal survival in vitro and enhances spatial learning and memory in rats. Researchers investigated the effects of FGL on neural stem cells in vitro and in vivo. [Stem Cell Rev] Abstract

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

Xcelthera Inc Secures First U.S. Patent for Large-Scale Production of High Quality Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Their Neuronal and Heart Muscle Cell Therapy Products
Xcelthera Inc and its joint research partner San Diego Regenerative Medicine Institute announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted Patent No. 8,716,017 entitled, “Technologies, Methods, and Products of Small Molecule-Directed Tissue and Organ Regeneration from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.” This newly-issued patent is the first among a portfolio of intellectual property of Xcelthera Inc covering PluriXcel human stem cell technology platform for large-scale production of high quality clinical-grade pluripotent human embryonic stem cell lines and their functional human neuronal and heart muscle cell therapy products. [Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC] Press Release