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Clinically relevant small-molecule promotes nerve repair and visual function recovery
Ngan Pan Bennett Au1, Gajendra Kumar1, Pallavi Asthana1
1Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR.
NPJ Regenerative Medicine
|October 1, 2022
Summary
Wolfberry extract (Lycium barbarum polysaccharides) promotes nerve regeneration in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. This study identified glycopyrrolate as a potential drug for enhancing nerve repair and restoring visual function after injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mammalian injured axons exhibit limited regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) compared to the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Axon regeneration is crucial for functional recovery after nerve injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) in promoting axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) and optic nerve crush (ONC).
- To identify FDA-approved small molecules that can enhance nerve repair and functional recovery.
Main Methods:
- Administration of LBP in models of PNI and ONC.
- Gene expression profiling of LBP-treated samples.
- Querying the Connectivity Map database with LBP gene signatures.
- Testing the identified small molecule, glycopyrrolate, in nerve injury models.
Main Results:
- LBP significantly accelerated long-distance axon regeneration after PNI and ONC.
- LBP promoted intrinsic neuronal growth capacity, RGC survival, and functional recovery.
- Glycopyrrolate demonstrated efficacy in promoting PNS axon regeneration, RGC survival, and sustained CNS axon regeneration.
- Glycopyrrolate enhanced visual function recovery after ONC.
Conclusions:
- Lycium barbarum polysaccharides show significant potential for promoting axon regeneration and functional recovery in both PNS and CNS injuries.
- Glycopyrrolate, an FDA-approved drug, can be repurposed for nerve repair, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for CNS injuries and visual function restoration.
