Exp Neurobiol, 2012 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5607/en.2012.21.3.83 · Published: September 1, 2012
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons relay sensory information to the spinal cord, but their axons often fail to regenerate after injury, leading to chronic pain and sensory loss. The dorsal root entry zone (DREZ), the interface between the central and peripheral nervous systems, prevents axons from re-entering the spinal cord. Recent imaging studies suggest that axons stop at the DREZ not due to repulsive molecules, but because they form stable presynaptic terminals on non-neuronal cells, possibly NG2 glia.
Identifying the specific non-neuronal cells (potentially NG2 glia) and the synaptogenic molecules involved in forming presynaptic terminals at the DREZ could lead to new therapeutic targets.
Current regeneration strategies focus on neutralizing inhibitory molecules, but this research suggests that stabilizing factors should also be addressed to promote axon regeneration.
The application of in vivo imaging provides a more comprehensive understanding of axon behavior and the factors influencing regeneration, which can be applied to other areas of neurological research.