The role of Nogo-A in neuroregeneration: a review

Nogo, also known as Reticulon-4, is a protein that is specific to the central nervous system (CNS), and has been identified as an inhibitor of neurite outgrowth. Nogo-A is the largest member of the Nogo family and is responsible for inhibition of CNS regeneration. The structural information and biological functions of Nogo family members are reviewed in this study. The Nogo-66 receptor (NgR), a membrane protein which binds to Nogo, may play an important role in signal transduction for several myelin-associated inhibitors. The discovery of the Nogo family and the NgR provides an opportunity to develop interventions to promote axonal regeneration in the CNS after brain injury. Basic and clinical research of Nogo has increased our understanding of the mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and neuroregenerative diseases. Understanding the biological functions of Nogo family members may open up a new avenue for the development of therapeutic agents. The anatomical and biological plastic changes are reviewed in animal models of injuries in the adult CNS. The role of Nogo A in neuroregeneration, and the mechanisms underlying functional recovery after CNS injury, are also detailed in this review.