Signalling mechanisms for survival of lesioned motoneurons

Mechanisms controlling neuronal survival play an important role both during development and after birth, in particular when the nervous system is lesioned. Isolated embryonic motoneurons and other types of primary neurons have been a useful tool for studying basic mechanisms underlying neuronal cell death during development and under pathophysiological conditions after neurotrauma. These studies have led to the identification of neurotrophic factors which under physiological conditions regulate survival and functional properties, and after neurotrauma promote regeneration and plasticity. Functional analysis of these molecules, in particular by generation of gene knockout mice, has led to a more detailed understanding of complex requirements of individual types of neurons for their survival and also paved the way for a better understanding of the signalling pathways in lesioned neurons which decide on cell death or survival after axotomy and other pathophysiological conditions. These findings could ultimately lead to a rational basis for therapeutic approaches aiming at improving neuronal survival and regeneration after neurotrauma.