Function of GSK‑3 signaling in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major social problem with a heavy burden on patient physiology and psychology. Exploring the key mechanism of SCI is crucial for finding further treatments. Glycogen synthase kinase‑3 (GSK‑3) is a widely expressed kinase with important physiological and pathophysiological functions in vivo. The present review summarized the roles of GSK‑3 signaling in SCI to aid in the understanding of GSK‑3 signaling during the pathological processes of SCI and to provide evidence for the development of comprehensive treatments.

• 1
  SCI can decrease the phosphory­lated (p)/total (t)‑GSK‑3β ratio, which leads to an increase in apoptosis, whereas treatment with GSK‑3 inhibitors can promote neurogenesis.
• 2
  Several therapies for the treatment of SCI involve signaling pathways associated with GSK‑3.
• 3
  Signaling pathways associated with GSK‑3 also participate in the pathological process of neuropathic pain that remains following SCI.