New discovery in nerve regrowth

July 12, 2010

U of C scientists find new method to help nerves grow after trauma or injury

Faculty of Medicine scientists have discovered a way to enhance nerve

regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. This important discovery could

lead to new treatments for nerve damage caused by diabetes or traumatic

injuries. Peripheral nerves connect the brain and spinal cord to the body, and

without them, there is no movement or sensation. Peripheral nerve damage is

common and often irreversible. This discovery is published in the July 7, 2010

edition of the Journal of Neuroscience.

Senior researcher on the study, Dr. Zochodne, is a neurologist and

professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Christie, lead

author on the study and a PhD student in Dr. Zochodne's lab, along with

Hotchkiss Brain Institute colleagues, used a rat model to examine a pathway that

helps nerves to grow and survive. Within this pathway is a molecular brake,

called PTEN, that helps to prevent excessive cell growth under normal

conditions.

In addition to discovering for the first time that PTEN is found in the

peripheral nervous system, Zochodne's team demonstrated that following nerve

injury, PTEN prevents peripheral nerves from regenerating. The team was able to

block PTEN, an approach that dramatically increased nerve outgrowth.

Christie says, " We were amazed to see such a dramatic effect over such

a short time period. No one knew that nerves in the peripheral system could

regenerate in this way, nerves that can be damaged if someone has diabetes for

example. This finding could eventually help people who have lost feeling or

motor skills recover and live with less pain. "

Peripheral nerve damage can lead to pain, tingling, numbness or difficulty

coordinating hands, feet, arms or legs. This can happen with diseases like

diabetes, an injury due to a crushed or cut nerve, or other conditions known as

neuropathy.

" Removing the brakes on regeneration offers us a new approach. Our next steps

will be to find out if the exciting rise in nerve outgrowth we have observed

will result in long term benefits, " says Zochodne.

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This research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research,

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions (funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation

for Medical Research Endowment Fund) and the National Science and Engineering

Research Council.

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