Unraveling Axon Guidance during Axotomy and Regeneration

During neuronal development and regeneration, axons extend a growth cone that detects signals to reach its destination. These signals regulate the growth cone's cytoskeleton, affecting its movement. Much is known about these signals during development, but less is understood about their interactions and what happens after nervous system injuries. After injuries in mammals, only peripheral nervous system axons can regenerate, unlike those in the central nervous system. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for treating neuronal injuries.

• 1
  Growth cones are specialized structures that guide axon growth by sensing the environment and regulating the cytoskeleton through guidance cues.
• 2
  The attractive or repulsive effect of guidance cues depends on the specific context, including the type of axon and the stage of development.
• 3
  Mitochondrial function and motility are crucial for growth cone formation and axon regeneration after injury.