A redox-dependent switch governing sensory axon degeneration and regeneration.

ABSTRACT: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) fin amputation is a widely used model for studying sensory axon degeneration and regeneration. After injury, sensory neuron terminals rapidly degenerate before regenerating. While reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), are known to promote axon regeneration through epidermal mechanisms, their role in degeneration remains unclear. Here, we identify mitochondrial superoxide and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), specifically peroxynitrite, as key drivers of axon fragmentation. Using AlphaFold and DeepNitro predictive modeling, we identified conserved nitration and nitrosylation sites in NMNAT rather than SARM1, two key drivers of a known axon destruction pathway, suggesting the possibility of a redox-dependent regulatory mechanism. We furt

SUBMITTER: Hsieh CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12606303 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature