Neural Cell News Volume 8.36 | Sep 17 2014

Neurogenin 2 Mediates Amyloid-β Precursor Protein-Stimulated Neurogenesis
Neurogenin 2 (Ngn2) overexpression in amyloid-β precursor protein knockout mice neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) promoted neuronal differentiation, whereas siRNA knockdown of Ngn2 expression in wild-type NSPCs decreased neuronal differentiation. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

MACF1 Regulates the Migration of Pyramidal Neurons via Microtubule Dynamics and GSK-3 Signaling
Scientists show that microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) determines neuronal positioning by regulating microtubule dynamics and mediating GSK-3 signaling during brain development. [Dev Biol] Abstract

Triple-Layered Mixed Co-Culture Model of RPE Cells with Neuroretina for Evaluating the Neuroprotective Effects of Adipose-MSCs
Researchers aimed to establish a viable mixed co-culture model having three layers: neuroretina explants, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for evaluating adipose-MSC effects. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

Communication between Mast Cells and Rat Submucosal Neurons
Histamine evoked a biphasic rise of the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration in cultured submucosal neurons, consisting in a release of intracellularly stored Ca²⁺ followed by an influx from the extracellular space. [Pflugers Arch] Abstract

Deficiency of Trim27 Protects Dopaminergic Neurons from Apoptosis in the Neurotoxin Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Researchers showed that Trim27 expression was dramatically induced in PC12 cells and in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the Parkinson’s disease mouse model. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Trim27 in PC12 cells showed obvious suppression of apoptosis. [Brain Res] Abstract

DNA Topoisomerase IIβ as a Molecular Switch in Neural Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Scientists evaluated the subset of genes that are regulated in neural transdifferentiation of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in vitro and found genes related with DNA topoisomerase IIβ (topo IIβ). For this purpose, topo IIβ was silenced by specific small interfering RNAs in hMSCs and cells were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells. [Ann Hematol] Abstract

Human Primary Mixed Brain Cultures: Preparation, Long-Term Maintenance, Characterization and Application to Neuroscience Research
Scientists describe preparation, maintenance and major characteristics of a primary human mixed brain culture, including neurons, obtained from legally aborted fetal brain tissue. This approach employs standard materials and techniques used in the preparation of rodent neuron cultures, with critical modifications. [Mol Brain]
Abstract | Full Article

Human iPSC Neurons Display Activity-Dependent Neurotransmitter Secretion: Aberrant Catecholamine Levels in Schizophrenia Neurons
Scientists investigated human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons for their ability to secrete neurotransmitters in an activity-dependent manner, the fundamental property required for chemical neurotransmission. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Chemical Conversion of Human Fibroblasts into Functional Schwann Cells
The authors present a gene-free approach that allows efficient conversion of human fibroblasts via a transient progenitor stage into Schwann cells, the major glial cell type of peripheral nerves. [Stem Cell Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the neural cell research field.

From our sponsor: Free wallchart from Nature Neuroscience – Neural Stem Cells. Request your copy.

First Research Studies Launched in Nine Countries as Part of Euro 22 Million Global Effort to End Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
The Progressive MS Alliance has awarded its first round of 22 research grants to investigators in nine countries, with the goal of removing barriers to developing treatments for progressive MS. [The Progressive MS Alliance] Press Release

Lilly and AstraZeneca Announce Alliance to Co-Develop Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
Eli Lilly and Company and AstraZeneca announced an agreement to co-develop and commercialize AZD3293, an oral beta secretase cleaving enzyme inhibitor currently in development as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. [Eli Lilly and Company] Press Release

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

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)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the neural cell community.

Postdoctoral Fellow – Tissue Engineering & Spinal Cord Injury (Nanyang Technological University)

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

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 – 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)

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.)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.