Maximizing functional axon repair in the injured CNS – lessons from neuronal development

The failure of damaged axons to regrow underlies disability in central nervous system injury and disease. Therapies that stimulate axon repair will be critical to restore function. Extensive axon regeneration can be induced by manipulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, however it has been difficult to translate this into functional recovery in models of spinal cord injury. The current challenge is to maximize the functional integration of regenerating axons to recover motor and sensory behaviours. Insights into axonal growth and wiring during nervous system development are helping guide new approaches to boost regeneration and functional connectivity after injury in the mature nervous system. Here we discuss our current understanding of axonal behaviour after injury and prospects for the development of drugs to optimize axon regeneration and functional recovery after CNS injury. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.