New Pathway Offers Promise of Neuron Regeneration

A new pathway for the re-growth of neurons after injury is described by researchers at BUSM in a recent article featured in PLoS Biology. They found that proteins involved in cell death also play a beneficial role in neuronal regeneration, offering the potential for new avenues of treatment of nerve damage.

Using sophisticated high-resolution lasers, the researchers can cut individual nerve cell axons and directly visualize subsequent re-growth. The study found that efficient re-growth requires the activity of a caspase enzyme previously known for its execution of cell death, or apoptosis.

“The successful repair of neurons severed by accident or surgery is a goal of modern regenerative medicine,” said Dr. Christopher Gabel, assistant professor at BUSM and a co-author of the study. “A more detailed understanding of neuronal regeneration on the molecular and genetic levels may influence novel therapies that could shift treatment from palliative care to restoration of function.”

Submitted by Lydia Efird, MD