Serum response factor promoting axonal regeneration by activating the Ras–Raf-Cofilin signaling pathway after the spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to permanent paralysis due to the limited ability of nerve cells to repair themselves. This study explores how a protein called Serum Response Factor (SRF) can help nerve fibers regenerate after SCI. Researchers found that SRF levels increase after a spinal cord injury. By using a drug to block SRF, they observed that nerve regeneration was worse. Conversely, when SRF was increased, nerve cells migrated better. The study suggests SRF promotes nerve repair through a specific pathway called Ras–Raf-Cofilin. This discovery could lead to new treatments that enhance nerve regeneration after spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  SRF expression increases after spinal cord injury (SCI) and promotes axonal regeneration.
• 2
  Inhibiting SRF expression with CCG1423 impedes axon regeneration and functional recovery after SCI in rats.
• 3
  SRF promotes axonal regeneration and exerts neuroprotective effects through the Ras–Raf-Cofilin signaling pathway.