UHRF1 Licensed Self-Renewal of Active Adult Neural Stem Cells.

Adult neurogenesis in the brain continuously seeds new neurons throughout life, but how homeostasis of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) is maintained is incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that the DNA methylation adapter ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains-1 (UHRF1) is expressed in, and regulates proliferation of, the active but not quiescent pool of adult neural progenitor cells. Mice with a neural stem cell-specific deficiency in UHRF1 exhibit a massive depletion of neurogenesis resulting in a collapse of formation of new neurons.

Endogenous GAB receptor activity suppresses glioma growth.

Although genome alterations driving glioma by fueling cell malignancy have largely been resolved, less is known of the impact of tumor environment on disease progression. Here, we demonstrate functional GABA receptor-activated currents in human glioblastoma cells and show the existence of a continuous GABA signaling within the tumor cell mass that significantly affects tumor growth and survival expectancy in mouse models. Endogenous GABA released by tumor cells, attenuates proliferation of the glioma cells with enriched expression of stem/progenitor markers and with competence to seed growth of new tumors.

Axonal elongation and dendritic branching is enhanced by adenosine A2A receptors activation in cerebral cortical neurons.

Axon growth and dendrite development are key processes for the establishment of a functional neuronal network. Adenosine, which is released by neurons and glia, is a known modulator of synaptic transmission but its influence over neuronal growth has been much less investigated. We now explored the action of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) upon neurite outgrowth, discriminating actions over the axon or dendrites, and the mechanisms involved.

Regulation of TrkB receptor translocation to lipid rafts by adenosine A(2A) receptors and its functional implications for BDNF-induced regulation of synaptic plasticity.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling is critical for neuronal development and transmission. Recruitment of TrkB receptors to lipid rafts has been shown to be necessary for the activation of specific signalling pathways and modulation of neurotransmitter release by BDNF. Since TrkB receptors are known to be modulated by adenosine A(2A) receptor activation, we hypothesized that activation of A(2A) receptors could influence TrkB receptor localization among different membrane microdomains.