Sustained axon regeneration induced by co-deletion of PTEN and SOCS3

Long-range extensive repair following nerve damage has been demonstrated in the peripheral nervous system, but such robust regeneration is rare in the central nervous system. Previous studies have observed some repair following molecular manipulations of the regeneration signalling pathways, but these gains often tapered off after two weeks. Zhigang He and colleagues identify a modification to two signalling pathways that promotes enhanced axonal regeneration following a nerve crush injury. These manipulated pathways act in synergy to promote the expression of growth-related genes that maintain high enough levels to sustain long-range regenerative growth.