Editorial: Spinal cord development and neural regeneration

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1117887 · Published: January 23, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

The spinal cord is crucial for sensory information processing and motor function. Spinal cord injuries are difficult to repair because neuronal networks are damaged. The focus of this research topic is the mechanisms of circuit creation, repair after SCI, and tactics for fostering neural plasticity after SCI. This editorial summarizes ten accepted articles that present recent research findings on spinal cord growth and regeneration. Targeting B-RAF and PTEN can promote DC axon growth. PDIA6 and spastin might collaborate as critical mediators of nerve healing. Larval zebrafish are beneficial for spinal cord regeneration research.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Targeting B-RAF and PTEN simultaneously efficiently promoted DC axon growth in both the pre- and post-lesion states.
2
PDIA6 and spastin might collaborate as critical mediators of nerve healing.
3
NEXMIF is crucial for spinal motorneuron morphogenesis, and zebrafish swimming motility could be severely impaired by NEXMIF loss.

Research Summary

This editorial provides an overview of research on spinal cord development and neural regeneration, highlighting the challenges and recent developments in the field. The research topic focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of circuit creation in the growing spinal cord, circuit repair after SCI, and possible tactics for fostering neural plasticity after SCI. The editorial summarizes findings from ten accepted articles, covering topics such as axonal growth, nerve healing, the use of zebrafish models, and the role of specific genes and pathways in spinal cord development and disease.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategies

Identifying molecular targets like B-RAF and PTEN can lead to new therapeutic strategies for promoting axon growth and nerve healing after spinal cord injury.

Zebrafish Models

Utilizing larval zebrafish models can accelerate the identification of new functions for genes and cell types involved in spinal cord regeneration.

Neuropathic Pain Management

Inhibiting the STING-IFN-I pathway or using PTPRD inhibitors like 7-BIA may offer new approaches for managing neuropathic pain without the risk of addiction.

Study Limitations

1
The editorial summarizes existing research but does not present original data.
2
The findings are based on animal models and may not directly translate to human outcomes.
3
The editorial provides a broad overview, and further research is needed to validate and expand upon the presented findings.

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