GDNF-Enhanced Axonal Regeneration and Myelination Following Spinal Cord Injury is Mediated by Primary Effects on Neurons

This research investigates how GDNF, a growth factor, affects nerve regeneration and myelin formation after spinal cord injury (SCI). The study focuses on whether GDNF directly impacts neurons or indirectly affects Schwann cells (SCs), which are crucial for nerve repair. The findings indicate that GDNF has a direct positive effect on neurons, enhancing their growth and regeneration. GDNF also influences SCs by increasing the production of a specific adhesion molecule, NCAM, which aids in nerve-SC interaction. Overall, the study suggests that GDNF primarily acts on neurons to promote nerve regeneration and myelin formation after SCI, with a secondary influence on SC function. This combined effect makes GDNF a promising therapeutic agent for spinal cord repair.

• 1
  GDNF enhances both the number and caliber of regenerated axons in vivo and increases neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGN) in vitro, suggesting that GDNF has a direct effect on neurons.
• 2
  GDNF treatment had no effect on the proliferation of isolated SCs but enhanced the proliferation of SCs already in contact with axons.
• 3
  GDNF increased the expression of the 140 kDa neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in isolated SCs