Axonal regeneration in zebrafish spinal cord

Regeneration, 2018 · DOI: 10.1002/reg2.99 · Published: May 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This review discusses axonal damage and repair after spinal cord injury (SCI) in zebrafish, which can regenerate axonal tracts and restore functionality after SCI, unlike mammals. The review compares axonal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) in fish and mammals to understand the success or failure of axonal regeneration after SCI. The review aims to unravel therapeutic strategies for enhancing regrowth and remyelination of axons in mammals by understanding the axonal regeneration process in zebrafish.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Adult zebrafish are capable of regenerating axonal tracts and restoring full functionality after SCI, unlike adult mammals where axon regeneration in the CNS is limited.
2
The regenerative capacity between the CNS and PNS differs due to intrinsic capabilities of injured neurons and differential environmental cues.
3
Zebrafish microglia/macrophages exhibit a controlled inflammatory response and augment rapid removal of myelin debris, promoting axonal regeneration after SCI.

Research Summary

This review explores axonal regeneration in the zebrafish spinal cord, focusing on the events following spinal cord injury (SCI) and the subsequent repair mechanisms. It compares axonal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) of both fish and mammals, seeking insights into the factors that determine the success or failure of axonal regeneration. The review concludes by discussing potential therapeutic strategies derived from the zebrafish model that could enhance axonal regrowth and remyelination in mammals.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategies for Mammals

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying axonal regeneration in zebrafish can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for enhancing axonal regrowth and remyelination in mammals after spinal cord injury.

Drug Discovery

Identifying genes involved in zebrafish spinal cord regeneration may provide targets for drug discovery aimed at promoting endogenous myelination and remyelination in humans.

Clinical Translation

The knowledge gained from zebrafish research could be translated into clinical applications for treating spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders in humans.

Study Limitations

1
The review focuses primarily on zebrafish models, and further research is needed to validate these findings in mammalian systems.
2
The specific functional roles of certain molecules, such as Stat3 and Socs3, in zebrafish CNS axons require further elucidation.
3
The origin of remyelinating cells after SCI in zebrafish needs further investigation to determine the contributions of CNS precursors versus PNS Schwann cells.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury