Enhanced Mitochondrial Transport by Gene Knockout of Syntaphilin Allows for Regrowth of Damaged Nerves
Scientists have explored a wide variety of avenues that might lead to greater regeneration of nerve damage in mammals. In this promising early stage research, the focus is on mitochondrial activity in nerve tissue, and the ways in which it changes after childhood development:
Researchers have discovered that boosting the transport of mitochondria along neuronal axons enhances the ability of mouse nerve cells to repair themselves after injury. Neurons need large amounts of energy to extend their axons long distances through the body. This energy - in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - is provided by mitochondria, the cell's internal power plants. During development, mitochondria are transported up and down growing axons to generate ATP wherever it is needed. In adults, however, mitochondria become less mobile as mature neurons produce a protein called syntaphilin that anchors the mitochondria in place. Researchers wondered whether this decrease in mitochondrial transport might explain why adult neurons are typically unable to regrow after injury.
The researchers initially found that when mature mouse axons are severed, nearby mitochondria are damaged and become unable to provide sufficient ATP to support injured nerve regeneration. However, when the researchers genetically removed syntaphilin from the nerve cells, mitochondrial transport was enhanced, allowing the damaged mitochondria to be replaced by healthy mitochondria capable of producing ATP. Syntaphilin-deficient mature neurons therefore regained the ability to regrow after injury, just like young neurons, and removing syntaphilin from adult mice facilitated the regeneration of their sciatic nerves after injury. "Our in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that activating an intrinsic growth program requires the coordinated modulation of mitochondrial transport and recovery of energy deficits. Such combined approaches may represent a valid therapeutic strategy to facilitate regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems after injury or disease."
Link: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-06/rup-mmm060716.php