Axon-specific microtubule regulation drives asymmetric regeneration of sensory neuron axons

Sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons have a unique structure, branching into two axons with differing healing abilities: one connecting to the body (peripheral) and another to the spinal cord (central). Researchers found that injuring the peripheral axon can stimulate regrowth in the central axon, suggesting microtubules, the cell's internal highways, may contribute to this difference. Central axons contain more actively growing microtubules than peripheral axons; however, damaging the peripheral axon reduces microtubule growth in the central axon, enhancing its regenerative capacity.

• 1
  DRG neurons in vitro undergo pseudo-unipolarization, replicating in vivo asymmetries and regenerative capacity.
• 2
  DRG axons exhibit asymmetric microtubule polymerization, which is downregulated by a conditioning lesion.
• 3
  Spastin deficiency is sufficient to abolish the asymmetry of DRG axons, disrupting microtubule polymerization.