Neural Cell News Volume 8.35 | Sep 10 2014

AMPK Modulates Tissue and Organismal Aging in a Non-Cell-Autonomous Manner
The authors show that upregulation of AMPK in the adult Drosophila nervous system induces autophagy both in the brain and also in the intestinal epithelium. Neuronal upregulation of the autophagy-specific protein kinase Atg1 is both necessary and sufficient to induce these intertissue effects during aging and to prolong the lifespan. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

CHD7 Maintains Neural Stem Cell Quiescence and Prevents Premature Stem Cell Depletion in the Adult Hippocampus
Using an inducible knockout mouse model, scientists show that the chromatin remodeling factor chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) is essential for maintaining neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) quiescence. CHD7 inactivation in adult NSCs results in a loss of stem cell quiescence in the hippocampus, a transient increase in cell divisions, followed by a significant decline in neurogenesis. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Spinal Cord Injury Enables Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Cells to Synthesize Monoamines
Investigators show by immunohistochemical techniques that cells containing the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) occur not only near the central canal, but also in the intermediate zone and dorsal horn of the spinal gray matter. Following complete transection of the rat spinal cord at S2 level, they show that AADC cells distal to the lesion acquire the ability to produce serotonin from its immediate precursor,
5-hydroxytryptophan. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

Neurotensin Signaling Regulates Stem-Like Traits of Glioblastoma Stem Cells through Activation of
IL-8/CXCR1/STAT3 Pathway
Scientists previously found that neurotensin and its primary receptor NTSR1 play a crucial role in glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion. Now they show that NTSR1 is higher expressed in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) than their non-GSC counterparts. [Cell Signal] Abstract

CRM197 in Combination with shRNA Interference of VCAM-1 Displays Enhanced Inhibitory Effects on Human Glioblastoma Cells
Researchers investigated the role and mechanism of CRM197 combined with shRNA interference of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on the migration, invasion and apoptosis of glioblastoma cells. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

Migration and Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells after Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Avulsion in Rats
Scientists investigated migration and differentiation of neural progenitor cells from the ependymal layer to the nucleus ambiguus after recurrent laryngeal nerve avulsion. [PLoS One] Full Article

EGCG Inhibits Properties of Glioma Stem-Like Cells and Synergizes with Temozolomide through Downregulation of P-Glycoprotein Inhibition
Investigators examined the molecular mechanisms by which epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a bioactive polyphenol in green tea, inhibits the stem cell characteristics of glioma stem-like cells and synergizes with temozolomide, a DNA-methylating agent commonly used as first-line chemotherapy in gliomas. [J Neurooncol] Abstract

Reversal of Cellular Phenotypes in Neural Cells Derived from Huntington’s Disease Monkey-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Scientists report the establishment of neural progenitor cell lines derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of transgenic Huntington’s disease (HD) monkeys. Upon differentiation to neurons, HD neural cells develop cellular features of HD, including the formation of nuclear inclusions and oligomeric mutant huntingtin protein aggregates, as well as increased apoptosis. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

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Gilenya^® Data Confirm Reducing Brain Shrinkage Matters for People with MS Due to Its Association with Long-Term Disability Progression
Novartis announced new data that reinforces the clinical importance of measuring brain shrinkage (brain volume loss) in multiple sclerosis (MS). [Press release from Novartis AG discussing research presented at the 2014 Joint Meeting of the American and European Committees for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS/ECTRIMS), Boston] Press Release

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Bella Bowman Foundation Donates $75K to LSU Medical Physics Program
The Bella Bowman Foundation announced a $75,000 grant to the LSU Medical Physics program, in partnership with the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, to establish the Bella Bowman Foundation Radiation Necrosis Research Fund to examine the risks of radiation injuries to the brain as a result of proton radiation therapy. [The Bella Bowman Foundation] Press Release

BrainStorm Granted European Patent Covering Its Stem Cells for the Treatment of CNS Diseases
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics announced that the European Patent Office has granted the company patent number EP1893747, entitled “Isolated Cells and Populations Comprising Same for the Treatment of CNS Diseases.” [BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Developmental Stem Cell and Cancer Biology (North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration (University of Copenhagen)

Postdoctoral Candidate – Dynamic Organization of Synapses (INSERM)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience (Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Role of RNA-Binding Proteins in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Pfizer)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology (The University of Texas Medical School At Houston)

Postdoctoral Positions – The Development of Human Cortical Neurons and Synapses (Free University of Brussels)

Postdoctoral Fellowship (Medical University of South Carolina)

Research Associate – Neuroscience (University of Cambridge)

Scientist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Neural Differentiation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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