Postinjury Induction of Activated ErbB2 Selectively Hyperactivates Denervated Schwann Cells and Promotes Robust Dorsal Root Axon Regeneration

Following nerve injury, Schwann cells change into a repair state that helps axons regenerate. This study explores a way to boost the repair ability of these cells to improve axon regeneration, particularly in dorsal root axons. The researchers used a special line of mice to activate a protein called ErbB2 specifically in Schwann cells after nerve damage. They found that activating ErbB2 increased the number and activity of Schwann cells, leading to more axon growth. Additionally, a growth factor called GDNF helped these activated Schwann cells guide axons to penetrate into the spinal cord, suggesting a combined approach for better nerve repair.

• 1
  Post-injury induction of caErbB2 in SCs selectively hyperactivates denervated, but not innervated, SCs, increasing their proliferation and prolonging their dedifferentiation.
• 2
  caErbB2 induction in SCs promotes DR regeneration through a transection injury, improving axon penetration and extension along the root.
• 3
  Intraspinal GDNF treatment drives robust intraspinal penetration of SCs and axons across the DREZ in caErbB2-induced animals.