Capacity of astrocytes to promote axon growth in the injured mammalian central nervous system

After a CNS injury, astrocytes, a type of brain cell, form scar tissue that was once thought to prevent nerve regeneration. However, new research suggests astrocytes can actually help axons, the long fibers of nerve cells, to regrow after injury. Astrocytes' ability to aid in axon growth depends on factors like the injury's location, the potential of nerve cells to regenerate, and the condition of the astrocytes themselves. Understanding these factors could lead to new therapies that target astrocytes to promote neural repair and improve recovery after CNS injuries.

• 1
  Astrocytes can support axon regeneration under experimental conditions that enhance axons’ intrinsic capacity to grow, such as through Pten gene deletion.
• 2
  Reactive astrocytes, especially stellate reactive astrocytes located away from the lesion, may play a significant role in promoting axon sprouting after CNS injury.
• 3
  Astrocytes facilitate axon growth via neurotrophic factor production, extracellular matrix remodeling, clearance of myelin debris, and provision of bioenergetic support.