The neuroplasticity marker PSA-NCAM: Insights into new therapeutic avenues for promoting neuroregeneration

Neuroplastic alterations are the key processes involved in adaptation and rehabilitation after all neurological injuries and pathologies. Being the central contributor to the developmental and adult neuroplasticity, the polysialylated form of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (PSA-NCAM) may prove to be a potential target to facilitate repair/regeneration after CNS injury and disease. Over the years, several experimental approaches have been developed to exploit the therapeutic potential of PSA-NCAM. Broadly, the studies focused on cell-transplantation strategies to alter PSA-NCAM properties at the injury site, injection of peptide based as well as synthetic PSA mimetics directly into the injury site or the application of PSA containing hydrogels and scaffolds as biomaterials. A comprehensive understanding of the PSA-based experimental approaches, as well as their pros and cons, is urgently required for successful implementation of this molecule in therapeutics. The current review, therefore, has been designed to give the readers a thorough account of all the diverse roles of PSA in the adult nervous system and the recent progress that has been made in developing PSA-based therapeutic approaches for neuroregeneration.