Molecular switch for neuronal outgrowth

摘要

Disclosed herein are methods of inducing neuronal outgrowth of a neuron. The methods comprise contacting the neuron with an agent that binds receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase δ (RPTPδ), to thereby induce neuronal outgrowth of the neuron. The agent may induces clustering of RPTPδ and/or inhibit binding of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) to RPTPδ. Examples of suitable agents are heparan sulfate proteoglycan, heparan sulfate, heparan sulfate oligosaccharides, or heparin oligosaccharides. Additional agents are also disclosed. The neuron can be a CNS neuron or peripheral neuron. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating neuronal injury in a subject comprising, administering to the subject an agent that binds RPTPδ. Administration may be to a site of neuronal injury, to thereby induce neuronal outgrowth at the site of neuronal injury.