The Role of Schwann Cell-Axon Interaction in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells are released from the degenerating nerve, dedifferentiated, and then actively participate in axonal regeneration. Dedifferentiated Schwann cells, together with macrophages, are involved in eliminating myelin debris, forming bands of Büngner that provide pathways for regenerating axons, and redifferentiating for remyelination. Activation of Erk1/2 and c-Jun was shown to induce stepwise repair programs in Schwann cells, indicating that plastic changes in Schwann cell activity contribute to interaction with axons for regeneration. Schwann cell β1 integrin was identified to mediate the Cdc2-vimentin pathway and further connect to adaptor molecules in the growth cone of regenerating axons through the binding of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Timely interaction between Schwann cells and the axon (S-A) is critical to achieving efficient axonal regeneration because the delay in S-A interaction results in retarded nerve repair and chronic nerve damage. By comparing with the role of Schwann cells in developing nerves, this review is focused on cellular and molecular aspects of Schwann cell interaction with axons at the early stages of regeneration.

The Effects of Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells on Local Inflammation Microenvironment in the Defected Sciatic Nerve of Rats

“…Following PNI, are contributed to the removal of myelin debris, undergo dedifferentiation, proliferation and migration to form Büngner band, thus guide the growth of regenerating axons toward the denervated targets (Namgung, 2014). Inducing SCs differentiated to myelin-formed SCs and promoting their migration in the injury region are the key point for the repair of PNI (Stoll et al, 1989).…”

Tuning the Mechanical Properties of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Microgel‐Based Scaffolds to Increase 3D Schwann Cell Proliferation

“…Schwann cells are the principal glia that support neurons in the peripheral nervous system. For nerve repair in vivo, Schwann cells participate in axonal regeneration and nerve remyelination . In peripheral nerve repair, artificial nerve conduits have been developed to provide a means to repair nerve defects when autografts, which are considered the gold standard for surgical repair, are not available and the incorporation of exogenous Schwann cells into the conduit have been found to improve nerve growth and regeneration .…”

“…For nerve repair in vivo, Schwann cells participate in axonal regeneration and nerve remyelination. [ 1,2 ] In peripheral nerve repair, artifi cial nerve conduits have been developed to provide a means to repair nerve defects when autografts, which are considered the gold standard for surgical repair, are not available [ 3 ] and the incorporation of exogenous Schwann scaffold is an important property that impacts cellular behavior. [ 15 ] The modulus of a scaffold not only directs stem cell lineage, [16][17][18] but also infl uences cellular viability, proliferation, and morphology.…”

Three-Dimensional Model of Dorsal Root Ganglion Explant as a Method of Studying Neurotrophic Factors in Regenerative Medicine

“…The expression of neurotrophic factors in the adult organism is sustained at a low level and increases upon injury, suggesting an important role in nerve regeneration [18]. Axon regeneration in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is largely provided by Schwann cells, which actively proliferate, secrete growth factors, and produce large amounts of neurotrophic factors upon injury [19,20].Despite the accumulated data on the important role of neurotrophic factors in PNS regeneration, the problem of full nerve recovery and clinical outcome is far from being solved. The therapy using neurotrophic factors is based on their capacity to promote survival of degenerating neurons; however, such therapy remains insufficient [21].…”