Pioneering studies on the mechanisms of axonal regeneration

While ultimately, focus must be placed on experimentation using adult systems, vastly important clues to regeneration can be found in the study of the embryonic nervous system. In embryonic systems, axonal regeneration is successful before a critical period, and numerous advances have resulted from the study of isolated cells and tissues in vitro. Studies over many decades from the laboratory of Paul C. Letourneau have probed the cellular and molecular phenomena involved in axon outgrowth and guidance in the embryonic central and peripheral nervous system and have laid the framework for many current advances in regeneration research. Letourneau’s pioneering work related to growth cone behavior, guidance, and regeneration has resulted in considerable contributions toward our understanding not only of cellular mechanisms that underlie axon growth, but also of the specific areas of study that require attention to accomplish future breakthroughs. The present article summarizes some of the major contributions from Paul Letourneau and his team in the area of axonal regeneration.