iScience (Feb 2024)

NG2 glia reprogramming induces robust axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury

  • Wenjiao Tai,
  • Xiaolong Du,
  • Chen Chen,
  • Xiao-Ming Xu,
  • Chun-Li Zhang,
  • Wei Wu

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27, no. 2
p. 108895

Abstract

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Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to neuronal loss, axonal degeneration, and behavioral dysfunction. We recently show that in vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia produces new neurons, reduces glial scaring, and ultimately leads to improved function after SCI. By examining endogenous neurons, we here unexpectedly uncover that NG2 glia reprogramming also induces robust axonal regeneration of the corticospinal tract and serotonergic neurons. Such reprogramming-induced axonal regeneration may contribute to the reconstruction of neural networks essential for behavioral recovery.

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