Communications Biology, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-019-0335-4 · Published: March 4, 2019
Salamanders can regenerate their spinal cords after injury. Glial cells help with this process by creating a supportive environment for new axons to grow. This study looks at how certain molecules, specifically AP-1cFos/JunB and miR-200a, control this helpful glial cell response in axolotls. Axolotl glial cells up-regulate AP-1cFos/JunB after injury, which promotes a pro-regenerative glial cell response. Injury induced upregulation of miR-200a in glial cells supresses c-Jun expression in these cells. The research showed that miR-200a inhibits reactive gliosis in axolotl glial cells during spinal cord regeneration, which is different from what happens in mammals where reactive gliosis leads to scar formation that hinders regeneration.
Understanding the role of AP-1cFos/JunB and miR-200a in axolotl spinal cord regeneration could lead to new therapeutic strategies for promoting regeneration in mammals after spinal cord injury.
Identifying miR-200a as an inhibitor of reactive gliosis suggests that modulating miR-200a levels could be a potential approach to prevent glial scar formation and promote axon regeneration.
Comparing the molecular mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration in axolotls and mammals can provide valuable insights into the regenerative potential of different species and identify key factors that are necessary for successful regeneration.