A comparative morphological, electrophysiological and functional analysis of axon regeneration through peripheral nerve autografts genetically modified to overexpress BDNF, CNTF, GDNF, NGF, NT3 or VEGF.

In conclusion, autograft-based repair combined with gene therapy for three of the six growth factors investigated (BDNF, GDNF, NGF) showed considerable promise since these factors enhanced modality specific axon outgrowth in autografts. The remarkable and selective effects of BDNF, GDNF and NGF on motor or sensory regeneration will be exploited in future experiments that aim to carefully regulate their temporal and spatial expression since this has the potential to overcome the adverse effects on long-distance regeneration observed after uncontrolled delivery.
PMID: 25128265 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Experimental Neurology - August 12, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Hoyng SA, De Winter F, Gnavi S, de Boer R, Boon LI, Korvers LM, Tannemaat MR, Malessy MJ, Verhaagen J Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research