Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling
Published on: May 31, 2017
CNS regeneration: clinical possibility or basic science fantasy?
Peter E Batchelor1, David W Howells
1Departments of Medicine and Neurology, University of Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Vic. 3084, Heidelberg, Australia.
Abstract:
Following injury to the CNS, severed axons undergo a phase of abortive sprouting in the vicinity of the wound, but do not spontaneously re-grow or regenerate. From a long history of attempts to stimulate regeneraion, a major strategy that has been developed clinically is the implantation of tissue into denervated target regions. Unfortunately trials have so far not borne out the promise that this would prove a useful therapy for disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Many strategies have also been developed to stimulate the regeneration of axons across sites of injury, particularly in the spinal cord. Animal data have demonstrated that some of these approaches hold promise and that the spinal cord has a remarkable degree of intrinsic plasticity. Attempts are now being made to utilize experimental techniques in spinal patients.
Insights
Central nervous system (CNS) injuries prevent axon regeneration. While tissue implantation has shown limited success, new strategies aim to promote spinal cord repair and harness the CNS
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, such as spinal cord damage, result in severed axons that fail to regenerate.
- Clinical strategies like tissue implantation for CNS repair, including for Parkinson's disease, have yielded limited therapeutic success.
- Despite challenges, the spinal cord exhibits significant intrinsic plasticity, offering potential for recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for stimulating axon regeneration after CNS injury.
- To evaluate the clinical and preclinical promise of various regenerative approaches.
- To explore the translation of experimental techniques for spinal cord repair in patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current therapeutic strategies for CNS axon regeneration.
- Analysis of clinical trial outcomes for tissue implantation therapies.
- Examination of preclinical animal data on spinal cord injury repair.
- Assessment of spinal cord plasticity and its therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- Axon regeneration after CNS injury is typically abortive, with limited spontaneous regrowth.
- Clinical trials of tissue implantation have not yet proven effective for conditions like Parkinson's disease.
- Preclinical studies demonstrate that certain experimental approaches can promote axon regeneration and functional recovery in animal models.
- The spinal cord possesses substantial intrinsic plasticity, which can be leveraged for repair.
Conclusions:
- Effective strategies for promoting CNS axon regeneration remain a significant challenge.
- While tissue implantation has not met expectations, ongoing research into novel approaches shows promise.
- Translating experimental techniques to clinical applications in spinal cord injury patients is an active area of investigation, capitalizing on the spinal cord's inherent plasticity.
More Related Videos
11:27Growing Neural Stem Cells from Conventional and Nonconventional Regions of the Adult Rodent Brain
Published on: November 18, 2013
08:52Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration
Published on: January 10, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
01:33Whole Body Regeneration
01:19Overview of Regeneration and Repair
Regeneration
All animals have varying degrees of...