Damages to the central nervous system (CNS), for example in the case of spinal cord injury, can result in permanent loss of sensory and motor function. It is because the severed axons are unable to regenerate. As of today, there are very limited options to help these patients regain their motor abilities. Scientists have been exploring ways to enable the regeneration of severed axons, with a view to developing viable treatments in the long term. Read More...

 

A working model of IFNγ-STAT1 signaling promoting axon regeneration in CNS and PNS.

In CNS, such as retinal ganglion cells, IFNγ activates STAT1 in Ptpn2 cKO RGCs. STAT1 then upregulates neuronal cGAS expression. cGAS produces cGAMP and activate STING in neurons. In PNS, such as dorsal root ganglion, axotomy induces IFNγ expression in axons by local translation. And IFNγ activates STAT1-cGAS signaling and cGAMP production in surrounding Schwann cells and blood cells, to promote peripheral axon regeneration.
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