Neurons in the CNS lose regenerative potential with maturity, leading to minimal corticospinal tract (CST) axon regrowth after spinal cord injury (SCI). In young rodents, knockdown of PTEN, which antagonizes PI3K signaling by hydrolyzing PIP3, promotes axon regeneration following SCI. However, this effect diminishes in adults, potentially due to lower PI3K activation leading to reduced PIP3. This study explores whether increased PIP3 generation can promote long-distance regeneration in adults. We used a hyperactive PI3K, PI3Kδ (PIK3CD), to boost PIP3 levels in mature cortical neurons and assessed CST regeneration after SCI. Adult rats received AAV1-PIK3CD and AAV1-eGFP, or AAV1-eGFP alone, in the sensorimotor cortex concurrent with a C4 dorsal SCI. Transduced neurons showed increased pS6 levels, indicating elevated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. CST regeneration, confirmed with retrograde tracing, was evaluated up to 16 weeks post injury. At 12 weeks, ∼100 axons were present at lesion sites, doubling to 200 by 16 weeks, with regeneration indices of 0.1 and 0.2, respectively. Behavioral tests showed significant improvements in paw reaching, grip strength, and ladder-rung walking in PIK3CD-treated rats, corroborated by electrophysiological recordings of cord dorsum potentials and distal flexor muscle electromyography. Thus, PI3Kδ upregulation in adult cortical neurons enhances axonal regeneration and functional recovery post SCI.

• Keywords
• CST, PI3K, axon regeneration, c-Fos, electrophysiology, pS6, signaling, skilled paw reaching, spinal cord, spinal cord injury,
• MeSH
• Axons metabolism   MeSH
• Dependovirus genetics   MeSH
• Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Genetic Vectors genetics   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Disease Models, Animal MeSH
• Neurons metabolism   MeSH
• Spinal Cord Injuries * therapy   metabolism   physiopathology   genetics   MeSH
• Pyramidal Tracts * metabolism   physiology   MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration * genetics   MeSH
• Signal Transduction MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases * MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases * MeSH

Mammalian neurons lose the ability to regenerate their central nervous system axons as they mature during embryonic or early postnatal development. Neuronal maturation requires a transformation from a situation in which neuronal components grow and assemble to one in which these components are fixed and involved in the machinery for effective information transmission and computation. To regenerate after injury, neurons need to overcome this fixed state to reactivate their growth programme. A variety of intracellular processes involved in initiating or sustaining neuronal maturation, including the regulation of gene expression, cytoskeletal restructuring and shifts in intracellular trafficking, have been shown to prevent axon regeneration. Understanding these processes will contribute to the identification of targets to promote repair after injury or disease.

• MeSH
• Axons * physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neurogenesis * physiology   MeSH
• Neurons physiology   MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration * physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

The peripheral branch of sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons regenerates readily after injury unlike their central branch in the spinal cord. However, extensive regeneration and reconnection of sensory axons in the spinal cord can be driven by the expression of α9 integrin and its activator kindlin-1 (α9k1), which enable axons to interact with tenascin-C. To elucidate the mechanisms and downstream pathways affected by activated integrin expression and central regeneration, we conducted transcriptomic analyses of adult male rat DRG sensory neurons transduced with α9k1, and controls, with and without axotomy of the central branch. Expression of α9k1 without the central axotomy led to upregulation of a known PNS regeneration program, including many genes associated with peripheral nerve regeneration. Coupling α9k1 treatment with dorsal root axotomy led to extensive central axonal regeneration. In addition to the program upregulated by α9k1 expression, regeneration in the spinal cord led to expression of a distinctive CNS regeneration program, including genes associated with ubiquitination, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), trafficking, and signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of these processes blocked the regeneration of axons from DRGs and human iPSC-derived sensory neurons, validating their causal contributions to sensory regeneration. This CNS regeneration-associated program showed little correlation with either embryonic development or PNS regeneration programs. Potential transcriptional drivers of this CNS program coupled to regeneration include Mef2a, Runx3, E2f4, and Yy1. Signaling from integrins primes sensory neurons for regeneration, but their axon growth in the CNS is associated with an additional distinctive program that differs from that involved in PNS regeneration.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Restoration of neurologic function after spinal cord injury has yet to be achieved in human patients. To accomplish this, severed nerve fibers must be made to regenerate. Reconstruction of nerve pathways has not been possible, but recently, a method for stimulating long-distance axon regeneration of sensory fibers in rodents has been developed. This research uses profiling of messenger RNAs in the regenerating sensory neurons to discover which mechanisms are activated. This study shows that the regenerating neurons initiate a novel CNS regeneration program which includes molecular transport, autophagy, ubiquitination, and modulation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The study identifies mechanisms that neurons need to activate to regenerate their nerve fibers.

• Keywords
• autophagy, axon regeneration, integrin, sensory, signaling, spinal cord,
• MeSH
• Axons * physiology   MeSH
• Integrins metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Spinal Cord metabolism   MeSH
• Sensory Receptor Cells physiology   MeSH
• Spinal Cord Injuries * therapy   metabolism   MeSH
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration physiology   MeSH
• Ganglia, Spinal metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Integrins MeSH

Spinal cord interneurons (SpINs) are highly diverse population of neurons that play a significant role in circuit reorganization and spontaneous recovery after spinal cord injury. Regeneration of SpIN axons across rodent spinal injuries has been demonstrated after modification of the environment and neurotrophin treatment, but development of methods to enhance the intrinsic regenerative ability of SpINs is needed. There is a lack of described in vitro models of spinal cord neurons in which to develop new regeneration treatments. For this reason, we developed a new model of mouse primary spinal cord neuronal culture in which to analyze maturation, morphology, physiology, connectivity and regeneration of identified interneurons. Isolated from E14 mice, the neurons mature over 15 days in vitro, demonstrated by expression of maturity markers, electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings, and formation of synapses. The neurons express markers of SpINs, including Tlx3, Lmx1b, Lbx1, Chx10, and Pax2. The neurons demonstrate distinct morphologies and some form perineuronal nets in long-term cultivation. Live neurons in various maturation stages were axotomized, using a 900 nm multiphoton laser and their fate was observed overnight. The percentage of axons that regenerated declined with neuronal maturity. This model of SpINs will be a valuable tool in future regenerative, developmental, and functional studies alongside existing models using cortical or hippocampal neurons.

• Keywords
• axon regeneration, culture, laser axotomy, maturation, spinal interneurons,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Regeneration capacity is reduced as CNS axons mature. Using laser-mediated axotomy, proteomics and puromycin-based tagging of newly-synthesized proteins in a human embryonic stem cell-derived neuron culture system that allows isolation of axons from cell bodies, we show here that efficient regeneration in younger axons (d45 in culture) is associated with local axonal protein synthesis (local translation). Enhanced regeneration, promoted by co-culture with human glial precursor cells, is associated with increased axonal synthesis of proteins, including those constituting the translation machinery itself. Reduced regeneration, as occurs with the maturation of these axons by d65 in culture, correlates with reduced levels of axonal proteins involved in translation and an inability to respond by increased translation of regeneration promoting axonal mRNAs released from stress granules. Together, our results provide evidence that, as in development and in the PNS, local translation contributes to CNS axon regeneration.

• Keywords
• Axon regeneration, Axotomy, Human stem cells, In vitro live imaging, Local translation, Proteomics,
• MeSH
• Axons physiology   MeSH
• Embryonic Stem Cells physiology   MeSH
• Coculture Techniques MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Protein Biosynthesis physiology   MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration physiology   MeSH
• Cellular Senescence physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH

Investigating the molecular mechanisms governing developmental axon growth has been a useful approach for identifying new strategies for boosting axon regeneration after injury, with the goal of treating debilitating conditions such as spinal cord injury and vision loss. The picture emerging is that various axonal organelles are important centers for organizing the molecular mechanisms and machinery required for growth cone development and axon extension, and these have recently been targeted to stimulate robust regeneration in the injured adult central nervous system (CNS). This review summarizes recent literature highlighting a central role for organelles such as recycling endosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, autophagosomes and the proteasome in developmental axon growth, and describes how these organelles can be targeted to promote axon regeneration after injury to the adult CNS. This review also examines the connections between these organelles in developing and regenerating axons, and finally discusses the molecular mechanisms within the axon that are required for successful axon growth.

• Keywords
• axon growth, axon regeneration, inter-organelle membrane contact sites, organelles,
• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Organelles metabolism   pathology   MeSH
• Spinal Cord Injuries * metabolism   pathology   therapy   MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration * MeSH
• Growth Cones metabolism   pathology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Adeno-associated viral vectors are widely used as vehicles for gene transfer to the nervous system. The promoter and viral vector serotype are two key factors that determine the expression dynamics of the transgene. A previous comparative study has demonstrated that AAV1 displays efficient transduction of layer V corticospinal neurons, but the optimal promoter for transgene expression in corticospinal neurons has not been determined yet. In this paper, we report a side-by-side comparison between four commonly used promoters: the short CMV early enhancer/chicken β actin (sCAG), human cytomegalovirus (hCMV), mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (mPGK) and human synapsin (hSYN) promoter. Reporter constructs with each of these promoters were packaged in AAV1, and were injected in the sensorimotor cortex of rats and mice in order to transduce the corticospinal tract. Transgene expression levels and the cellular transduction profile were examined after 6 weeks. The AAV1 vectors harbouring the hCMV and sCAG promoters resulted in transgene expression in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The mPGK and hSYN promoters directed the strongest transgene expression. The mPGK promoter did drive expression in cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes, while transduction with AAV harbouring the hSYN promoter resulted in neuron-specific expression, including perineuronal net expressing interneurons and layer V corticospinal neurons. This promoter comparison study contributes to improve transgene delivery into the brain and spinal cord. The optimized transduction of the corticospinal tract will be beneficial for spinal cord injury research.

• MeSH
• Dependovirus * genetics   MeSH
• Genetic Vectors genetics   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Promoter Regions, Genetic MeSH
• Pyramidal Tracts * MeSH
• Transduction, Genetic MeSH
• Transgenes MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Adult mammalian central nervous system axons have intrinsically poor regenerative capacity, so axonal injury has permanent consequences. One approach to enhancing regeneration is to increase the axonal supply of growth molecules and organelles. We achieved this by expressing the adaptor molecule Protrudin which is normally found at low levels in non-regenerative neurons. Elevated Protrudin expression enabled robust central nervous system regeneration both in vitro in primary cortical neurons and in vivo in the injured adult optic nerve. Protrudin overexpression facilitated the accumulation of endoplasmic reticulum, integrins and Rab11 endosomes in the distal axon, whilst removing Protrudin's endoplasmic reticulum localization, kinesin-binding or phosphoinositide-binding properties abrogated the regenerative effects. These results demonstrate that Protrudin promotes regeneration by functioning as a scaffold to link axonal organelles, motors and membranes, establishing important roles for these cellular components in mediating regeneration in the adult central nervous system.

• MeSH
• Axons metabolism   physiology   MeSH
• Central Nervous System physiology   MeSH
• Endoplasmic Reticulum genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Endosomes metabolism   MeSH
• Phosphorylation MeSH
• Integrins metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Cells, Cultured MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Mice, Inbred C57BL MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Neurons metabolism   physiology   MeSH
• Neuroprotective Agents administration & dosage   MeSH
• Optic Nerve Injuries drug therapy   metabolism   pathology   MeSH
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley MeSH
• Protein Domains MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration * drug effects   MeSH
• Retina drug effects   physiology   MeSH
• Vesicular Transport Proteins administration & dosage   chemistry   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Integrins MeSH
• Neuroprotective Agents MeSH
• Vesicular Transport Proteins MeSH
• ZFYVE27 protein, human MeSH Browser

Peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons support axon regeneration into adulthood, whereas central nervous system (CNS) neurons lose regenerative ability after development. To better understand this decline whilst aiming to improve regeneration, we focused on phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and its product phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3 ). We demonstrate that adult PNS neurons utilise two catalytic subunits of PI3K for axon regeneration: p110α and p110δ. However, in the CNS, axonal PIP3 decreases with development at the time when axon transport declines and regenerative competence is lost. Overexpressing p110α in CNS neurons had no effect; however, expression of p110δ restored axonal PIP3 and increased regenerative axon transport. p110δ expression enhanced CNS regeneration in both rat and human neurons and in transgenic mice, functioning in the same way as the hyperactivating H1047R mutation of p110α. Furthermore, viral delivery of p110δ promoted robust regeneration after optic nerve injury. These findings establish a deficit of axonal PIP3 as a key reason for intrinsic regeneration failure and demonstrate that native p110δ facilitates axon regeneration by functioning in a hyperactive fashion.

• Keywords
• CNS axon regeneration, axon transport, optic nerve, p110 delta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase,
• MeSH
• Axons * MeSH
• Central Nervous System MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases * MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Neurons MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Axon regeneration in the CNS is inhibited by many extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Because these act in parallel, no single intervention has been sufficient to enable full regeneration of damaged axons in the adult mammalian CNS. In the external environment, NogoA and CSPGs are strongly inhibitory to the regeneration of adult axons. CNS neurons lose intrinsic regenerative ability as they mature: embryonic but not mature neurons can grow axons for long distances when transplanted into the adult CNS, and regeneration fails with maturity in in vitro axotomy models. The causes of this loss of regeneration include partitioning of neurons into axonal and dendritic fields with many growth-related molecules directed specifically to dendrites and excluded from axons, changes in axonal signalling due to changes in expression and localization of receptors and their ligands, changes in local translation of proteins in axons, and changes in cytoskeletal dynamics after injury. Also with neuronal maturation come epigenetic changes in neurons, with many of the transcription factor binding sites that drive axon growth-related genes becoming inaccessible. The overall aim for successful regeneration is to ensure that the right molecules are expressed after axotomy and to arrange for them to be transported to the right place in the neuron, including the damaged axon tip.

• Keywords
• Axon regeneration, Axonal transport, Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans, Chondroitinase, Epigenetics, Integrins, NogoA, PTEN, Rabs, RhoA, Schwann cell, Signalling, Trafficking,
• MeSH
• Axonal Transport physiology   MeSH
• Axons physiology   MeSH
• Central Nervous System cytology   physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neural Inhibition physiology   MeSH
• Neurogenesis physiology   MeSH
• Protein Biosynthesis physiology   MeSH
• Nerve Regeneration physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH