PROMOTION OF CELL MIGRATION AND AXON REGENERATION IN THE CNS

摘要

The present invention relates broadly to methods and compositions that promote migration of neural cells, or their extensions, from an originating region of the central nervous system to a second region in which, or at which, a need for such cells and/or their extensions has been identified. The method includes contacting a second neural cell with a composition that is effective to decorate the second neural cell with a hydrated polymer such as a polysaccharide. This second neural cell is located substantially within a zone of interest such as a second region; or the originating region; or a region of space that includes at least the originating region, the second region and a volume extending between them. The originating region includes any source of neural progenitor cells, or a source of outgrowth of neural cell projections such as axons or dendrites. The second region includes any region that is an intended destination for the promoted migration of progenitor or the extension of the neural cell projection, which may be a site diseased by a pathology or damaged by trauma. The invention further provides compositions useful to promote the migration of the CNS component cells or portions thereof.