Novel target identified for neuron regeneration, functional recovery in spinal cord injury

(Temple University Health System) Restoring the ability to walk following spinal cord injury (SCI) requires neurons in the brain to reestablish communication pathways with neurons in the spinal cord. Mature neurons, however, are unable to regenerate their axons to facilitate this process. Now, Temple scientists show that this limitation may be overcome by targeting liver kinase B1 (LKB1) protein. In mice with SCI, targeted LKB1 upregulation stimulated long-distance neuron regeneration, leading to gains in functional recovery.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news