Scientists discover why damaged nerves struggle to heal
Scientists have identified a protein that acts like a brake on the nervous system’s ability to repair damaged connections. Blocking AHR helped injured nerve fibers regrow and improved movement and sensation in mice with nerve or spinal cord injuries. The discovery could eventually point toward new treatments designed to shift neurons from simply surviving an injury to actively rebuilding…
Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York have uncovered a molecular mechanism that may limit the regrowth of damaged nerve fibers, or axons, in adult mammals. The research, published in the journal Nature, suggests that inhibiting a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) could promote nerve regeneration and improve recovery after peripheral nerve or spinal cord injuries.
Axons are crucial for transmitting signals between nerve cells, and their damage can lead to long-lasting or permanent impairments in movement and sensation. The study, led by Professor Hongyan Zou, revealed that AHR functions as a brake, prioritizing stress management over axon rebuilding following injury. When AHR is blocked, neurons increase protein production and activate growth-related pathways, facilitating axon regeneration.
This discovery opens up potential therapeutic avenues, as several AHR inhibitors are already in clinical trials for other conditions. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of AHR targeting in various forms of neural injury and to identify optimal treatment strategies.
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