Mechanisms of Functional Synapse Reformation in Regenerated Axons

Abstract

Identifying and characterizing the molecular mechanisms that inhibit both axon regeneration and synapse reformation is critical to understanding how to repair the injured adult nervous system. To do so, we use a genetically tractable C. elegans model in which axon regeneration and synapse reformation can be studied in vivo with single axon resolution. I will present our recent findings of signal transduction pathways that function intrinsically and independently of one another to regulate axon regeneration, synapse reformation, and degeneration after injury. These include poly (ADP-ribosylation) and TIR-1/SARM signaling. Defining these conserved pathways adds to our understanding of the injury response and contributes to strategies to improve functional axon regeneration.