Folate regulation of axonal regeneration in the rodent central nervous system through DNA methylation

This research investigates how folate (vitamin B9) affects nerve repair in the central nervous system (CNS) of rodents after injury. They found that folate promotes nerve regeneration through a process called DNA methylation. The study revealed that after spinal cord and nerve damage, the body increases production of a specific folate receptor (Folr1). This receptor helps cells absorb more folate, which is then used in DNA methylation, a key process for nerve repair. The researchers also discovered that the amount of folate given affects nerve regeneration in a biphasic manner. Too little or too much folate isn't as effective as the optimal dose, which closely relates to how much DNA methylation occurs.

• 1
  Spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury induces the expression of the high-affinity folate receptor Folr1, but not the low-affinity reduced folate carrier Rfc1.
• 2
  Dhfr bioactivation of FA is essential for folate-mediated CNS regeneration; blocking Dhfr with methotrexate inhibits axonal regeneration.
• 3
  Combined spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury suppresses spinal cord DNA methylation, and FA restores methylation levels in a biphasic fashion.