Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
10:22
Use of the TetON System to Study Molecular Mechanisms of Zebrafish Regeneration
Published on: June 25, 2015
Integrin signaling is integral to regeneration.
Michele L Lemons1, Maureen L Condic
1Department of Natural Sciences, Assumption College, Worcester, MA 01609, USA. michele.lemons@umassmed.edu
Experimental Neurology
|August 31, 2007
Summary
Mammalian spinal cord regeneration fails due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This review explores how integrin signaling pathways influence nerve regeneration after injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Adult mammalian spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs regeneration.
- Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors impede recovery after SCI.
- Intrinsic factors, including cellular signaling, are critical for neuronal regrowth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review intrinsic factors affecting spinal cord regeneration.
- To focus on integrin receptors and their signaling pathways.
- To connect findings on integrin signaling to in vivo spinal cord regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on regeneration.
- Analysis of research on integrin signaling in neuronal growth cones.
- Synthesis of findings related to spinal cord injury models.
Main Results:
- Integrins and their downstream pathways significantly impact growth cone guidance.
- Integrin signaling influences neuronal motility essential for regeneration.
- Understanding these intrinsic pathways is key to promoting recovery after SCI.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic factors, particularly integrin signaling, are crucial for spinal cord regeneration.
- Targeting integrin pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for SCI.
- Further research into integrin-mediated signaling can advance regenerative approaches for the nervous system.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
01:15Activation of Integrins
Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
01:10Integrins
Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
01:19Overview of Regeneration and Repair
Regeneration and repair processes are critical in healing damages caused by injury, disease, and aging. In regeneration, the damaged tissue is entirely replaced with new growth that restores the original architecture and function. In contrast, tissue repair usually results in a fixed tissue architecture involving scar formation. Scars generally do not reestablish tissue function and may also exhibit structural abnormalities at the injury site.
Regeneration
All animals have varying degrees of...
Regeneration
All animals have varying degrees of...