Research Shows Neural Stem Cells Regenerate Axons in Severe Spinal Cord Injury

In a study out of the University of California, San Diego and VA San Diego Healthcare, researchers have regenerated “an astonishing degree” of axonal growth at the site of severe spinal cord injury in rats. Their research revealed that early stage neurons can survive and extend axons to form new, functional neuronal relays across an injury site in the adult central nervous system (CNS).

In addition, the study shows that at least some types of adult CNS axons can overcome a normally inhibitory growth environment to grow over long distances. Importantly, stem cells across species exhibit these properties. The researchers’ work appear in the journal Cell. For more information, click here to read the full release.