Updates and challenges of axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system

Axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is a significant challenge. Successful CNS axon regeneration could help with diseases like spinal cord injury and glaucoma. Two major obstacles are the reduced ability of mature CNS neurons to regenerate and the presence of inhibitors that block axon regrowth. Recent studies have focused on improving the intrinsic axon growth ability by controlling gene transcription, showing promising results in optic nerve and spinal cord regeneration.

• 1
  Manipulating signaling pathways and nuclear transcription factors can effectively drive CNS axon regrowth.
• 2
  Pro-regenerative transcriptomic states, achieved through epigenetic regulations, are essential for coordinating injury sensing and axon regeneration.
• 3
  Remodeling the neuronal cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in overcoming extrinsic inhibitory cues that hinder axon regeneration.