neurons

[Molecular Psychiatry] Scientists focus on cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF), an unconventional neurotrophic protein. CDNF delivered to the brain parenchyma protects and restores dopamine neurons in animal models of Parkinson’s disease.

[Communications Biology] Using ELISA-based chemical screening with wild and mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1) proteins, the authors screened a new small molecule, PRG-A01, which could block the misfolding/aggregation of SOD1 or TDP-43. The drug rescued the cell death induced by mutant SOD1 in human neuroblastoma cell line.

[Journal of Molecular Cell Biology] Based on the chemical screening, the authors developed a new recipe for efficient induction of progenitors of motor neurons progenitors from human embryonic stem cells.

[Acta Biomaterialia] The authors bioengineered a physiologically relevant 3D scaffold by integrating brain-like extracellular matrix components and chemical cues.

[Nature Medicine] Public transcriptomic datasets confirmed B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) RNA expression in the caudate of normal human brains, suggesting that this may be an on-target effect of anti-BCMA therapy.

[Small] Transformation of conventional 2D platforms into unusual 3D configurations provides exciting opportunities for sensors, electronics, optical devices, and biological systems.