Neural Cell News Volume 9.12 | Apr 1 2015

SOX2 Primes the Epigenetic Landscape in Neural Precursors Enabling Proper Gene Activation during Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Researchers report a novel function for the pluripotency factor sex-determining region Y-related HMG box 2 (SOX2) in regulating the epigenetic landscape of poised genes activated at the onset of neuronal differentiation. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

CD133 and DNA-PK Regulate MDR1 via the PI3K- or Akt-NF-κB Pathway in Multidrug-Resistant Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro
Multidrug resistance (MDR) glioblastoma cell lines were created in response to prolonged doxorubicin chemotherapy. CD133, DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and MDR protein 1 (MDR1) were markedly elevated in these cells. CD133 and DNA-PK may increase MDR1 via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signal pathway. [Oncogene] Abstract

CXCR7 Mediates Neural Progenitor Cells Migration to CXCL12 Independent of CXCR4
Scientists derived neural progenitor cell (NPC) cultures from Cxcr4 KO mice and used transwell and stripe assays to determine the cell migration. NPCs derived from Cxcr4 KO mice polarized and migrated in response to CXCL12 gradient, suggesting that CXCR7 could serve as an independent migration receptor. [Stem Cells] Abstract

IGF-1 Signaling Plays an Important Role in the Formation of Three Dimensional Laminated Neural Retina and Other Ocular Structures from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers report that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) can orchestrate the formation of three dimensional ocular-like structures from human embryonic stem cells which, in addition to retinal pigmented epithelium and neural retina, also contain primitive lens and corneal-like structures. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Pig Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neural Rosettes Developmentally Mimic Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Neural Differentiation
Researchers report that pig induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can recapitulate events in early mammalian neural development. Pig iPSC line (POU5F1high/SSEA4low) had a higher potential to form neural rosettes containing neuroepithelial cells than either POU5F1low/SSEA4low or POU5F1low/SSEA4high lines. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Development of Circadian Oscillators in Neurosphere Cultures during Adult Neurogenesis
To evaluate circadian timing abilities of cells undergoing neural differentiation, neurospheres were prepared from the mouse subventricular zone, a rich source of adult neural stem cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Heparin-Binding EGF-Like Growth Factor and Enteric Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in the Prevention of Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Mice
Scientists determined whether enteric neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation, in conjunction with heparin binding-epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), could protect against experimental necrotizing enterocolitis. In vitro, HB-EGF effect on NSC proliferation and migration, and the receptors utilized by HB-EGF to exert these effects, were determined. [Ped Res] Abstract

Nanoparticle-Mediated Growth Factor Delivery Systems: A New Way to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
The authors provide information about the latest advances in the development of growth factor (GF) delivery systems targeting the brain in terms of in vitro and in vivo effects in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and discusses new strategies designed to increase the availability and the specificity of GFs to the brain. [J Control Release] Abstract

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Northwestern Medicine Launches Huntington’s Disease Center
Northwestern Medicine^® recently launched a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the comprehensive treatment of patients battling Huntington’s disease. The new center will focus on both patient care and research of the inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. [Northwestern Medicine^® (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

$6 Million Gift Will Propel Research at Alzheimer’s Center
With a $6 million investment from the Ellison Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of Washington will begin a project unique in the United States, one that could revolutionize care for Alzheimer’s. [University of Washington] Article

Accellta Grants Exclusive Rights for Micro-Carrier Free Stem Cells Suspension Culture to STEMCELL Technologies
The stem cell company Accellta announced that it has granted exclusive worldwide rights to STEMCELL Technologies Inc. for manufacturing and distribution of medium for culturing pluripotent stem cells in suspension under feeder-free, non-adherent conditions. [Accellta Ltd.] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell Biology (University of Wisconsin – Madison)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Development of the Nervous System and the Origin of Neural Diversity (Columbia University Medical Center)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Neuroscience (University of Oslo)

PhD Position – Early Human Brain Development Modeling with hiPSCs (University of Bonn)

Manufacturing Manager – Cell Therapy (Opexa Therapeutics)

Assistant Professor – Neuroscience (Georgia State University)

Assistant/Associate Professor – Gastroenterology (North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Epigenetic Mechanisms and Behavioral Outcomes of Developmental Neurotoxicity (Thomas Jefferson University)

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