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single molecule, such as the NRG1/ErbB system (
Ronchi et al., 2013
)or
other ligands and receptors involving in the process. It is also important,
but not enough, to study the cell-cell interaction (in particular the interaction
between regenerating axons and glial cells). Moreover, it is important, but not
enough, to study the dynamics of the regenerative nerve, for example, with a
tissue engineering approach and reconstructive microsurgery.
Rather, the whole systemmust be taken into account, including not only
the damaged nerve and all the molecules involved in the process but also the
proximal plasticity that occurs after a peripheral injury (DRG and CNS) and
the effects that an injury has on distal sites (such as skeletal muscle atrophy).
Methods to improve the regenerative process should therefore simulta-
neously potentiate axonal regeneration, increase neuronal survival, and
modulate central reorganization, as well as reduce muscle and sensory recep-
tor atrophy and degeneration. It is expected that this holistic approach might
lead to significant improvement in the functional outcome and thus the
quality of life of the patients suffering from peripheral nerve injury.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The research leading to this chapter has received funding from the European Community's
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7-HEALTH-2011) under grant agreement no. 278612
(BIOHYBRID), from MIUR, and from Compagnia di San Paolo (MOVAG).
REFERENCES
