Neural Cell News Volume 8.44 | Nov 12 2014

Cells of Origin in the Embryonic Nerve Roots for NF1-Associated Plexiform Neurofibroma
Using cell-lineage tracing, scientists identified a population of GAP43⁺ PLP⁺ precursors in embryonic nerve roots as the cells of origin for neurofibromatosis type 1 tumors and report a non-germline neurofibroma model for preclinical drug screening to identify effective therapies. [Cancer Cell]
Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

hPSC-Derived Maturing GABAergic Interneurons Ameliorate Seizures and Abnormal Behavior in Epileptic Mice
Researchers demonstrate that human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived maturing GABAergic interneurons (mGINs) migrate extensively and integrate into dysfunctional circuitry of the epileptic mouse brain. Using optogenetic approaches, they found that grafted mGINs generate inhibitory postsynaptic responses in host hippocampal neurons. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Human ESC-Derived Dopamine Neurons Show Similar Preclinical Efficacy and Potency to Fetal Neurons when Grafted in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
The authors provide a comprehensive preclinical assessment of human embryonic stem cells (hESC)-derived midbrain dopamine neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. They show that hESC-derived dopamine neurons can project sufficiently long distances for use in humans, fully regenerate midbrain-to-forebrain projections, and innervate correct target structures. [Cell Stem Cell]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Modeling Non-Syndromic Autism and the Impact of TRPC6 Disruption in Human Neurons
Using multiple models, such as dental pulp cells, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal cells and mouse models, investigators demonstrate that TRPC6 reduction or haploinsufficiency leads to altered neuronal development, morphology and function. [Mol Psychiatry] Abstract | Press Release

​Drp1 Inhibition Attenuates Neurotoxicity and ​Dopamine Release Deficits In Vivo
Scientists show that inhibition of the mitochondrial fission GTPase ​dynamin-related protein-1 (​Drp1) using gene-based and small-molecule approaches attenuates neurotoxicity and restores pre-existing striatal ​dopamine release deficits in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release

iPSC-Derived Dopamine Neurons Reveal Differences between Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Parkinson’s Disease
Investigators applied induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for Parkinson’s disease modeling using monozygotic twins’ fibroblasts to evaluate and dissect the genetic and nongenetic contributions. Utilizing fluorescence-activated cell sorting, they obtained a homogenous population of “footprint-free” iPSC-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Direct Lineage Conversion of Adult Mouse Liver Cells and B Lymphocytes to Neural Stem Cells
Researchers used transduction of doxycycline-inducible transcription factors to generate stable tripotent neural stem cells (NSCs). The induced NSCs maintained their characteristics in the absence of exogenous factor expression and were transcriptionally, epigenetically, and functionally similar to primary brain-derived NSCs. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

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Research Funding for Teen Brain and Nervous System Cancer
Scientists from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry have been awarded a grant from young person’s cancer charity The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust to investigate a new drug-based treatment for a multi-tumor brain and nervous system cancer which affects teenagers and young adults. [Plymouth University] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Fellow – Developmental, Stem Cell, and/or Cancer Biology (North Carolina State University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mitochondrial Science in Parkinson’s Disease (Haukeland University Hospital and University of Bergen)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biology (Northwestern University)

Faculty Positions – Personalized Medicine (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)

Associate/Full Professor – Rudi Schmid Endowed Chair in Neuroscience (University of California, San Francisco)

Tenure Track Positions – Neuroscience (Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Gottesman Stem Cell Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Research (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Postdoctoral Candidate – Dynamic Organization of Synapses (INSERM)

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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