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Attractants prevent nerve cell migration

Researchers from Bonn University discovered that immature nerve cells secrete chemical attractants that prevent mature brain cells from migrating into the brain. Inactivating these attractants improves nerve cell migration in animal models, offering a promising universal approach to treat Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 21, 2013

Signal found to enhance survival of new brain cells

Scientists have found a critical mechanism to keep newborn neurons alive, which may help understand underlying causes of diseases like Alzheimer's and mental illness. The discovery suggests that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons release GABA, a chemical signal that promotes the survival of new brain cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 2013

Yeast, human stem cells drive discovery of new Parkinson's disease drug targets

Researchers have identified a novel Parkinson's disease drug target and a compound capable of repairing neurons derived from human stem cells. Using a discovery platform combining yeast cells with human stem cells, scientists found that the compound reversed alpha-synuclein toxicity in yeast cells and partially rescued neurons in anima...

Fetal stem cell transplantation favorably impacts radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction

Researchers transplanted fetal stem cells into lab animals with radiation-induced cognitive impairments, showing improved hippocampal spatial memory and fear-conditioning performance. The study suggests fetal stem cell transplantation may provide a potential treatment for cranially irradiated patients.

There's life after radiation for brain cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that neural stem cells can resist radiation and regenerate after damage, potentially restoring lost function in brain cancer patients and individuals with conditions like MS and PD. The findings may lead to new treatments for brain trauma and strokes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalStem Cells·DateAug 12, 2013

Exercise rescues mutated neural stem cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Association discovered that exercise can fully rescue the phenotype of CHD7-deficient neural stem cells, allowing them to differentiate into mature neurons. This breakthrough provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CHARGE syndrome and may lead to potential treatments.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 4, 2013

Adult cells transformed into early-stage nerve cells, bypassing the pluripotent stem cell stage

Researchers have developed a method to convert skin cells into neural progenitor cells without passing through the pluripotent stem cell stage. This breakthrough allows for the production of specific types of neural cells, enabling rapid drug screening and modeling of neurological diseases such as ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 2, 2013

Reinventing drug discovery

A new stem-cell based drug screening technology has identified a compound that prolongs the life of motor neurons in both normal and ALS-affected cells. The study found kenpaullone, which inhibits HGK, an enzyme associated with motor neuron death, to be more effective than two failed drugs in human clinical trials.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 18, 2013

Researchers form new nerve cells – directly in the brain

New technique allows for direct reprogramming of human cells into nerve cells, opening possibilities for treating Parkinson's disease and other conditions. Researchers at Lund University have made a breakthrough in the field of cell therapy by successfully reprogramming skin cells and support cells into nerve cells.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2013

Developing our sense of smell

Researchers at Caltech have found that neural-crest stem cells differentiate into microvillous neurons, which sense pheromones, and are distinct from ciliated neurons that detect volatile scents. The discovery sheds light on how olfactory neurons form and may lead to new treatments for conditions like anosmia.

A gut feeling about neural stem cells

Scientists at the University of Melbourne have successfully transplanted neural stem cells into mice, which then migrated to the gut and developed into functional neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for intestinal motility disorders such as Hirschsprung's disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 1, 2013

Researchers have found that transplanted neural stem cells can migrate to the gut and develop into functional neurons, providing a promising new treatment for gastrointestinal motility disorders. Additionally, a protein called MFGE8 has been identified as an important regulator of inflammation, blocking inflammasome activity and limiti...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 2, 2013

Researchers found that bacterial imbalance contributes to intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis, with treatment reducing disease risk. Dysbiosis was shown to enhance intestinal inflammation and increase the risk for inflammation-associated colon cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2013

Pitt research sheds new light on virus associated with developmental delays and deafness

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that human stem cells are resistant to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a leading cause of congenital intellectual disability and deafness. The research findings suggest that HCMV infection distorts cell differentiation, leading to impaired brain maturation and intellectual ability.

For brain tumors, origins matter

Sanford-Burnham researchers found that different brain tumor cell types respond to distinct treatments due to varying growth factor regulation. This discovery offers potential for more effective and less harmful treatments tailored to individual tumors.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalOncogene·DateNov 13, 2012