Use of PSA-NCAM in Repair of the Central Nervous System

Polysialic acid (PSA) is a highly hydrated polymer whose presence at the cell surface can reduce cell interactions, and thereby increase tissue and cellular plasticity. Given its ability to create a permissive environment for cell migration and axonal growth, the potential of engineered overexpression of PSA to promote tissue repair has been explored in the adult CNS. Several promising results have been obtained that suggest that PSA engineering may become a valuable therapeutic tool.