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Reaching the brain: Advances in optic nerve regeneration
Larry I Benowitz1, Zhigang He2, Jeffrey L Goldberg3
1Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery and Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, United States; Departments of Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115, United States.
Experimental Neurology
|January 10, 2016
Summary
Researchers are identifying factors to promote optic nerve regeneration in mammals. Combinatorial treatments show promise for restoring vision and aiding central nervous system injury recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The optic nerve is a key model for studying central nervous system axon regeneration.
- Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) have limited intrinsic capacity for axon regeneration after injury.
- Peripheral nerve grafts historically demonstrated limited RGC axon regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize recent advances in promoting optic nerve regeneration.
- To highlight molecular and cellular targets for enhancing RGC axon regrowth.
- To underscore the translational potential of optic nerve research for CNS repair.
Main Methods:
- Investigating intraocular factors (e.g., oncomodulin).
- Modulating transcription factors (e.g., Klf-4, -9, c-myc).
- Targeting intrinsic growth suppressors (e.g., PTEN, SOCS3) and extrinsic inhibitors (e.g., Nogo receptor, LAR, PTP-σ) and their signaling pathways (e.g., RhoA).
Main Results:
- Combinatorial strategies enable RGC axons to regenerate through the optic nerve and cross the optic chiasm.
- Regenerated axons can innervate central targets and elicit functional responses.
- Discoveries in optic nerve regeneration inform strategies for spinal cord injury repair.
Conclusions:
- Multiple factors and combinatorial approaches significantly enhance optic nerve regeneration.
- Successful optic nerve regeneration offers hope for visual restoration.
- Advances in optic nerve repair have broad implications for treating mature CNS injuries.
