Bioelectric State and Cell Cycle Control of Mammalian Neural Stem Cells

The concerted action of ion channels and pumps establishing a resting membrane potential has been most thoroughly studied in the context of excitable cells, most notably neurons, but emerging evidences indicate that they are also involved in controlling proliferation and differentiation of nonexcitable somatic stem cells. The importance of understanding stem cell contribution to tissue formation during embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and regeneration in disease has prompted many groups to study and manipulate the membrane potential of stem cells in a variety of systems. In this paper we aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the role of ion channels and pumps in the context of mammalian corticogenesis with particular emphasis on their contribution to the switch of neural stem cells from proliferation to differentiation and generation of more committed progenitors and neurons, whose lineage during brain development has been recently elucidated

FePd nanowires modified with cyclodextrin as improved catalysts: Effect of the alloy composition on colloidal stability and catalytic capacity

In the present work, FePd nanowires of different compositions, namely Fe85Pd15, Fe65Pd35, Fe55Pd45 and Fe0Pd100, were synthesized by electrodeposition into the nanopores of alumina membranes. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, XPS, and magnetometry. The surface of the nanowires was functionalized with a cyclodextrin derivative (βCDMOD14) to obtain stable aqueous dispersions. A comprehensive study on the relationship between the alloy composition and the catalytic capacity of FePd nanowires (FePdNWs) modified with βCDMOD14 was conducted through the analysis of the rate constants (kobs) of the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol with sodium borohydride mediated by the FePdNWs in water. The highest value of kobs was observed for Fe55Pd45 NWs, but the catalytic performance of Fe65Pd35 NWs was similar to the previous one, in spite of its lower Pd content. The presence of Fe atoms and the synthesis method promotes the formation of an fcc phase in the alloy, which shows higher catalytic activity than pure Pd, possibly because of a synergistic effect exerted by Fe. The catalysts can be easily recovered by taking advantage of their magnetic properties, to be reused after reactivation with βCDMOD14.Fil: Herrera, Elisa Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina. Instituto Nacional del Agua. Gerencia de Programas y Proyectos. Centro de la Region Semiarida.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Riva, Julieta Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Aprea, María Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Silva, Oscar Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Bercoff, Paula Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; ArgentinaFil: Granados, Alejandro Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentin

Bioelectric State and Cell Cycle Control of Mammalian Neural Stem Cells

The concerted action of ion channels and pumps establishing a resting membrane potential has been most thoroughly studied in the context of excitable cells, most notably neurons, but emerging evidences indicate that they are also involved in controlling proliferation and differentiation of nonexcitable somatic stem cells. The importance of understanding stem cell contribution to tissue formation during embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and regeneration in disease has prompted many groups to study and manipulate the membrane potential of stem cells in a variety of systems. In this paper we aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the role of ion channels and pumps in the context of mammalian corticogenesis with particular emphasis on their contribution to the switch of neural stem cells from proliferation to differentiation and generation of more committed progenitors and neurons, whose lineage during brain development has been recently elucidated

Bioelectric State and Cell Cycle Control of Mammalian Neural Stem Cells

The concerted action of ion channels and pumps establishing a resting membrane potential has been most thoroughly studied in the context of excitable cells, most notably neurons, but emerging evidences indicate that they are also involved in controlling proliferation and differentiation of nonexcitable somatic stem cells. The importance of understanding stem cell contribution to tissue formation during embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and regeneration in disease has prompted many groups to study and manipulate the membrane potential of stem cells in a variety of systems. In this paper we aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the role of ion channels and pumps in the context of mammalian corticogenesis with particular emphasis on their contribution to the switch of neural stem cells from proliferation to differentiation and generation of more committed progenitors and neurons, whose lineage during brain development has been recently elucidated

Colonization and yield promotion of tomato by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is a N 2-fixing bacterium originally associated with sugarcane and considered a Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) for diverse crops. Aiming to find PGPB for horticultural species, tomato seedlings were inoculated with G. diazotrophicus to test its ability to colonize and to evaluate whether it can enhance fruit production. Tomato seedlings were inoculated with G. diazotrophicus PAL 5 and UAP 5541/pRGS561 (containing the marker gene gusA) under gnotobiotic conditions. In greenhouse experiments tomato seedlings were only inoculated with G. diazotrophicus PAL 5. Colonization was monitored by plating bacterial suspensions from homogenized tissues and by microscopic localization of bacteria after staining with gus substrate. Tomato yields were determined quantifying total tomato production throughout the crop in two different seasons. Root and stems endophytic population was higher than 4.0logCFUg -1 fresh weight. Microscopic localization showed colonizing bacteria in sites of emergence of lateral roots, root hairs, and stomata. Inoculated plants significantly increased both number and weight of fruit production as compared to non-inoculated controls. These results show the ability of G. diazotrophicus to stimulate fruit production of tomato plants.Fil: Luna, Maria Flavia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales; Argentina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Aprea, Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales; ArgentinaFil: Crespo, Juan Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales; ArgentinaFil: Boiardi, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales; Argentin

Colonization of sorghum and wheat by seed inoculation with <i>Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus</i>

Colonization of sorghum and wheat after seed inoculation with Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus strains PAL 5 and UAP 5541/pRGS561 (containing the marker gene gusA) was studied by colony counting and microscopic observation of plant tissues. Inoculum levels as low as 10² CFU per seed were enough for root colonization and further spreading in aerial tissues. Rhizoplane colonization was around 7 log CFU g⁻¹ (fresh weight). G. diazotrophicus was found inside sorghum and wheat roots with populations higher than 5 log CFU g⁻¹ (fresh weight). Stem colonization remained stable for 30 days post inoculation with endophyte concentrations from 4 to 5 log CFU g⁻¹ (fresh weight) (in both plants). Population in leaves decreased continuously being undetectable after 17 days post inoculation.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriale

FePd nanowires modified with cyclodextrin. Characterization and catalytic properties evaluated by a model reduction reaction

FePd and Pd nanowires (NWs), were synthesized by electrodeposition into a nanoporous alumina membrane and superficially functionalized with a modified β-cyclodextrin (βCDMOD14). A complete description is provided, at the molecular level, of the modified surface supported by FT-IR and XPS spectroscopy data. FePd NWs@βCDMOD14 showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol with NaBH4, being 10 times higher than NWs without βCDMOD14 and even better than Pd NWs@βCDMOD14.Fil: Herrera, Elisa Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Aprea, María Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Riva, Julieta Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Silva, Oscar Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Bercoff, Paula Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Granados, Alejandro Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentin

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Dependent Phosphorylation of Sox2 at Serine 39 Regulates Neurogenesis

Sox2 is known to be important for neuron formation, but the precise mechanism through which it activates a neurogenic program and how this differs from its well-established function in self-renewal of stem cells remain elusive. In this study, we identified a highly conserved cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) phosphorylation site on serine 39 (S39) in Sox2. In neural stem cells (NSCs), phosphorylation of S39 enhances the ability of Sox2 to negatively regulate neuronal differentiation, while loss of phosphorylation is necessary for chromatin retention of a truncated form of Sox2 generated during neurogenesis. We further demonstrated that nonphosphorylated cleaved Sox2 specifically induces the expression of proneural genes and promotes neurogenic commitment in vivo. Our present study sheds light on how the level of Cdk kinase activity directly regulates Sox2 to tip the balance between self-renewal and differentiation in NSCs.ASTAR (Agency for Sci., Tech. and Research, S’pore)Published versio

Transcriptome sequencing during mouse brain development identifies long non-coding RNAs functionally involved in neurogenic commitment

Transcriptome analysis of somatic stem cells and their progeny is fundamental to identify new factors controlling proliferation versus differentiation during tissue formation. Here, we generated a combinatorial, fluorescent reporter mouse line to isolate proliferating neural stem cells, differentiating progenitors and newborn neurons that coexist as intermingled cell populations during brain development. Transcriptome sequencing revealed numerous novel long non-coding (lnc)RNAs and uncharacterized protein-coding transcripts identifying the signature of neurogenic commitment. Importantly, most lncRNAs overlapped neurogenic genes and shared with them a nearly identical expression pattern suggesting that lncRNAs control corticogenesis by tuning the expression of nearby cell fate determinants. We assessed the power of our approach by manipulating lncRNAs and protein-coding transcripts with no function in corticogenesis reported to date. This led to several evident phenotypes in neurogenic commitment and neuronal survival, indicating that our study provides a remarkably high number of uncharacterized transcripts with hitherto unsuspected roles in brain development. Finally, we focussed on one lncRNA, Miat, whose manipulation was found to trigger pleiotropic effects on brain development and aberrant splicing of Wnt7b. Hence, our study suggests that lncRNA-mediated alternative splicing of cell fate determinants controls stem-cell commitment during neurogenesis. © 2013 European Molecular Biology Organization

MicroRNAs Establish Robustness and Adaptability of a Critical Gene Network to Regulate Progenitor Fate Decisions during Cortical Neurogenesis

International audienceOver the course of cortical neurogenesis, the transition of progenitors from proliferation to differentiation requires a precise regulation of involved gene networks under varying environmental conditions. In order to identify such regulatory mechanisms, we analyzed microRNA (miRNA) target networks in progenitors during early and late stages of neuro-genesis. We found that cyclin D1 is a network hub whose expression is miRNA-dosage sensitive. Experimental validation revealed a feedback regulation between cyclin D1 and its regulating miRNAs miR-20a, miR-20b, and miR-23a. Cyclin D1 induces expression of miR-20a and miR-20b, whereas it represses miR-23a. Inhibition of any of these miRNAs increases the developmental stage-specific mean and dynamic expression range (variance) of cyclin D1 protein in progenitors, leading to reduced neuronal differentiation. Thus, miRNAs establish robustness and stage-specific adaptability to a critical dosage-sensitive gene network during cortical neurogenesis. Understanding such network regulatory mechanisms for key developmental events can provide insights into individual suscepti-bilities for genetically complex neuropsychiatric disorders