title: Intrinsic mechanisms regulating axon regeneration: an integrin perspective.
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 capacity. Axons in the adult peripheral nervous system have a higher regenerative capacity, 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 mechanisms 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.
authors.affiliation: Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eva
authors.forename: Melissa R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: Elske H P
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Franssen
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Fawcett
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D020439:Growth Cones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D016023:Integrins