Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER THREE
Intrinsic Mechanisms Regulating
Axon Regeneration: An Integrin
Perspective
Richard Eva, Melissa R. Andrews, Elske H.P. Franssen,
James W. Fawcett
1
Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge,
Cambridge, United Kingdom
1
Corresponding author: e-mail address: jf108@cam.ac.uk
Contents
1.
Introduction
76
1.1 Integrins in the nervous system
76
1.2 Integrin function
77
2.
Integrins and Intrinsic Mechanisms of Axon Regeneration
79
2.1 Conditioning lesions and cAMP
79
2.2 Integrins and axon regeneration
81
2.3 SOCS3 and PTEN
84
3. Axonal Trafficking of Integrins and Other Membrane Proteins
85
3.1 Regulated entry to the axon
87
3.2 Trafficking mechanisms within the axon
90
3.3 Trafficking at the growth cone
92
References
95
Abstract
Adult central nervous system (CNS) axons fail to regenerate after injury because of
inhibitory factors in the surrounding environment and a low intrinsic regenerative ca-
pacity. Axons in the adult peripheral nervous system have a higher regenerative capac-
ity, due in part to the presence of certain integrins
—
receptors for the extracellular
matrix. Integrins are critical for axon growth during the development of the nervous
system but are absent from some adult CNS axons. Here, we discuss the intrinsic mech-
anisms that regulate axon regeneration and examine the role of integrins. As correct
localization is paramount to integrin function, we further discuss the mechanisms that
regulate integrin traffic toward the axonal growth cone.
