In this issue:  Science   |  Abstracts  |  Industry News   |  Policy Subscribe   |   Unsubscribe    TOP STORIES Alzheimer's-associated plaques May Have Impact Throughout the Brain Researchers from the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease report that amyloid plaques may also increase the activity of astrocytes, star-shaped nervous system cells traditionally considered to provide a supporting role in normal brain function. SCIENCE Human Stem Cells Provide a New Model for Lou Gehrig's Disease Overcoming the limited success of previous models, a report published in Disease Models & Mechanisms describes how neurons can be derived from human stem cells, and engineered to mimic inherited ALS. Dividing Cells May Contribute To Alzheimer's Disease Dr. Mark Smith and colleagues at Case Western Reserve University found that dysregulated cell cycle control may contribute to neural cell death. Addiction: Insights from Parkinson's Disease A new comprehensive review provides vital insights into the neurological basis of addiction by investigating Parkinson's disease patients, who in some instances develop various addictions when undergoing medical treatment. Yale Researchers Find New Piece in Alzheimer's Puzzle Yale researchers report that cellular prion proteins trigger the process by which amyloid-beta peptides block brain function in Alzheimer's patients. Technique May Help Stem Cells Generate Solid Organs The new technique neatly sidesteps a fundamental stumbling block in tissue engineering: the inability to generate solid organs from stem cells in the absence of a reliable supply of blood to the interior of the developing structure. Compounds Protect Against Cerebral Palsy Two compounds developed by Northwestern University chemists have been shown to be effective in pre-clinical trials in protecting against cerebral palsy. World's Smallest Periscopes Peer at Cells from Several Sides At Once A team of Vanderbilt scientists has invented the world's smallest version of the periscope and is using it to look at cells and other microorganisms from several sides at once. Mount Sinai Hospital Researcher Makes Stem Cell Breakthrough Mount Sinai Hospital's Dr. Andras Nagy has discovered a new virus-free method of creating stem cells from a patients' own skin cells. TriMark Point of Care Testing Conference 2009 May 11, 2009  |  San Diego, California Enter "CONNEXON" at checkout and receive 10% off registration. Visit here to register today. Visit our events page to stay up to date with the latest events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community. ABSTRACTS Role of Natural-Killer Group 2 Member D Ligands and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 in Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Lysis of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Here the researchers characterize embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in terms of their sensitivity to natural killer cells, which have been shown to play a role in immune rejection with transplanted cells. Regionally Specified Human Neural Progenitor Cells Derived from the Mesencephalon and Forebrain Undergo Increased Neurogenesis Following Overexpression of ASCL1 This study shows that hNPC derived from the developing cortex (hNPCCTX) and ventral midbrain (hNPCVM) have similar morphological characteristics and express the progenitor cell marker nestin. Endogenous Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is a Niche Signal for Subventricular Zone Neural Stem Cell Amplification and Self-Renewal In the present report, the researchers describe a growth-stimulatory activity of liver explant-conditioned media on SVZ cell cultures and identify hepatocyte growth factor as a major player in this effect. Trophic Activity Derived from Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Increases Peripheral Nerve Regeneration by Acting on Both Neuronal and Glial Cell Populations A rat model of complete sciatic nerve transection was used to evaluate the effect of bone marrow mononuclear cells transplanted to the injury site immediately after lesion. Sciatic Nerve Conditioned Medium Depleted of Pro-NGF Modulates Sodium Currents and Neurite Outgrowth in PC12 Cells Here the researchers show that sciatic nerve neuritogenic activity is limited to the induction of dendrites in PC12 cells. INDUSTRY The Medical Research Council Partners with the Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine in its Disease Team Request for Applications The MRC is calling for proposals from UK groups active in the preclinical domain that can link to Californian research teams to establish high quality, multidisciplinary translational research programs. UC San Diego Names William Mobley Chair of Neurosciences William C. Mobley, MD, PhD - a clinician and researcher who is internationally known for his work on degenerative diseases of the central nervous system and the neurobiology of Down syndrome - has been selected the new chair of the department of neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Stemcells, Inc. to Aquire Cell-based Drug Discovery Platforms and Related Businesses of Stem Cell Sciences plc for US$4.8 Million Stem Cell Sciences plc recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with StemCells, Inc. for the sale of the Trading Subsidiaries of the Company and certain ancillary agreements, assets, properties and rights for a maximum total consideration of approximately US$4,849,000. POLICY Stem Cell Research Supporters Offer Senate Bill Two prominent supporters of stem cell research said on Thursday they had reintroduced a Senate bill that would allow federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, in anticipation of President Barack Obama's support for the work. Bill Would Open Stem Cell Funds Up to All Maryland Biotechs The state's push to allow private companies to grab a share of its $18 million stem cell fund is igniting a battle between the state's largest academic researchers and its biotech executives. Sebelius: No Talks with Obama about Health Post Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, mentioned as a top candidate for health secretary, said Sunday she has not talked with President Barack Obama about joining his Cabinet.  Learn more about Neural Cell News:  Archives  |  Events   |  Subscribe   |  Contact Us This email was sent by: Connexon Creative 400-570 W. 7th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1B3 Canada