Neuroregeneration
The regrowth or repair of nervous tissue. The adult central nervous system has very limited regenerative capacity, making neuroregeneration a major research challenge. Some peptide compounds are investigated for neuroregenerative properties. Trofinetide (approved for Rett syndrome) modulates neuroinflammation and synaptic function.
Technical Context
CNS regeneration barriers: myelin-associated inhibitors (Nogo, MAG, OMgp — expressed on oligodendrocytes, binding NgR receptor on axons to actively inhibit regrowth), glial scar formation (reactive astrocytes produce chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans that physically and chemically block axon extension), limited adult neurogenesis (new neurons generated primarily in hippocampal subgranular zone and subventricular zone — very limited compared to embryonic neurogenesis), and loss of intrinsic growth capacity (adult neurons have reduced expression of regeneration-associated genes compared to embryonic or peripheral neurons). Peripheral nervous system regeneration is more successful because: Schwann cells support axon regrowth (providing growth factor trophic support and clearing myelin debris), the basal lamina provides a guidance tube, and peripheral neurons maintain intrinsic growth competence. Trofinetide's mechanism (modulating neuroinflammation and synaptic function in Rett syndrome) represents a neuroprotective rather than neuroregenerative approach.