New discovery identifies key chemotactic factor for peripheral nerve regeneration

Unlike the central nervous system, which struggles with nerve regeneration, peripheral nerves have the remarkable ability to regrow following injury. This process involves the migration of Schwann cell (SC) cords, which help guide regenerating axons across the injury site. These SC cords move along newly formed blood vessels, which bridge the wound, guided by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secreted by hypoxic macrophages in the area.

While it was previously known that SC migration and axonal regrowth are essential for nerve repair, the specific directional signals guiding these processes were unclear. In new study published in Cell Reports, Lucie Van Emmenis, Guillem Modol-Caballero and colleagues have identified CCL3, a chemotactic factor secreted by hypoxic macrophages, as the key signal directing SC cords across the injury site.

Through in vivo experiments, including genetic mouse models and widely used CCL3 inhibitors, the researchers demonstrated that CCL3 is essential for both Schwann cell migration and axonal regrowth. The discovery not only advances the understanding of nerve regeneration but also holds significant therapeutic potential, offering pathways to enhance nerve repair following injury. Additionally, the study's findings could help develop strategies to prevent aberrant nerve growth linked to trauma and disease.

The implications of this work extend beyond nerve injury repair, with potential applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases, conditions involving nerve overgrowth, and improving post-trauma recovery.

Image credit: Microscopy images of nerves, showing myelin (magenta), Schwann cells (green), axons (white) and nuclei (blue)

For more information, please contact Alison Lloyd alison.lloyd@ucl.ac.uk

Links

Research article

Lloyd Lab