The transcription factor combination MEF2 and KLF7 promotes axonal sprouting in the injured spinal cord with functional improvement and regeneration-associated gene expression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Axon regeneration after injury to the central nervous system (CNS) is limited by an inhibitory environment but also because injured neurons fail to initiate expression of regeneration associated genes (RAGs). The potential of strong RAG expression to promote regeneration in the CNS is exemplified by the conditioning lesion model, whereby peripheral nerve injury promotes regeneration of centrally projecting branches of the injured neurons. RAG expression could potentially be induced by delivery of the right set of transcription factors (TFs). We here aim to identify TF combinations that activate this program.

Methods

We first analysed binding site motifs in promoters of the RAG program to identify nine candidate growth-promoting TFs. These were systematically scree

SUBMITTER: Attwell CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11807332 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature