Continual Deletion of Spinal Microglia Reforms Astrocyte Scar Favoring Axonal Regeneration

After spinal cord injury, astrocyte scars form, limiting damage spread but hindering axon regeneration. The study explores fine-tuning scar formation to balance these effects. By using pexidartinib to continually delete microglia in a mouse model of spinal cord injury, the researchers found that astrocyte scars became less compacted. This looser scar structure allowed for improved axon regeneration and extension, suggesting a novel approach for spinal cord injury treatment.

• 1
  Continual deletion of microglia, especially during scar formation, leads to a decrease in microglia-derived collagen I and reforms the astrocyte scar.
• 2
  The astrocytes become less compacted in the scar, which permits axon regeneration and extension.
• 3
  Continual microglia deletion ameliorated the weight loss of SCI mice, possibly by improving their relevant health conditions.