Neural Cell News Volume 9.13 | Apr 8 2015

Casein Kinase 1δ Is an APC/C^Cdh1 Substrate that Regulates Cerebellar Granule Cell Neurogenesis
Using mouse cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs) as a model for brain neurogenesis, scientists demonstrated that the loss of casein kinase 1δ or treatment of GCPs with a highly selective small molecule inhibits GCP expansion. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Amyloid-β Induces Synaptotoxicity in Human iPS Cell-Derived Neurons
Scientists established highly reproducible, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical cultures as a cellular model to study the synaptotoxic effects of amyloid-β. They developed a highly efficient immunopurification procedure yielding immature neurons that express markers of deep layer cortical pyramidal neurons and GABAergic interneurons. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Deubiquitinating Enzymes Regulate Hes1 Stability and Neuronal Differentiation
Knockdown of ubiquitin-specific protease 22 shortened the half-life of hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), delayed its oscillation, and enhanced neuronal differentiation in mouse developing brain, whereas miss-expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 27x reduced neuronal differentiation. [FEBS J] Abstract | Full Article

Sensitivity of Neuroprogenitor Cells to Chemical-Induced Apoptosis Using a Multiplexed Assay Suitable for High-Throughput Screening
Investigators examined the utility of a high-throughput assay to detect chemical-induced apoptosis in mouse or human neuroprogenitor cells, as well as differentiated human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. [Toxicology] Abstract

SOX7 Interferes with β-Catenin Activity to Promote Neuronal Apoptosis
The authors investigated the expression pattern and role of SOX7 in potassium deprivation-induced neuronal apoptosis. They showed that both mRNA and protein levels of SOX7 were up-regulated when potassium was deprived. [Eur J Neurosci] Abstract

Properties of Neurons Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Gaucher Disease Type 2 Patient Fibroblasts: Potential Role in Neuropathology
To understand the pathogenesis of the neuronopathic Gaucher disease (GD), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from fibroblasts isolated from three GD type 2 and two unaffected individuals. The iPSCs were converted to neural precursor cells which were further differentiated into neurons. [PLoS One] Full Article

Mitochondrial Alterations by PARKIN in Dopaminergic Neurons Using PARK2 Patient-Specific and PARK2 Knockout Isogenic iPSC Lines
The authors used patient-specific and isogenic PARK2-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to show that mutations in PARK2 alter neuronal proliferation. The percentage of TH⁺ neurons was decreased in Parkinson’s disease patient-derived neurons carrying various mutations in PARK2 compared with an age-matched control subject. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article

Disturbed Calcium Signaling in Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Alzheimer’s Disease
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinocerebellar ataxias and Alzheimer’s disease represent a huge scientific and medical question, but the molecular mechanisms of these diseases are still not clear. There is increasing evidence that neuronal calcium signaling is abnormal in many neurodegenerative disorders. [Semin Cell Dev Biol] Abstract

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National MS Society Invests $28 Million in New Research to Stop Multiple Sclerosis, Restore Function and End MS Forever
The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has committed $28 million to support an expected 84 new MS research projects and training awards. These are part of a comprehensive research strategy aimed at stopping MS, restoring function that has been lost, and ending the disease forever. [National Multiple Sclerosis Society] Press Release

Neurotrope Selects Worldwide Clinical Trials to Commence Services for Phase IIb Trial of Bryostatin for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Neurotrope, Inc. announced that Neurotrope Bioscience, Inc. has selected Worldwide Clinical Trials to commence the pre-patient enrollment activities for the conduct of a Phase IIb trial of the company’s compound bryostatin-1 for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. [Neurotrope, Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

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Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellowships – Neuroscience, Physiology, Aging, Neural Systems and Molecular Biology (Baylor College of Medicine)

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

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

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

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