METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PROMOTING AXON REGENERATION AND CELL REPLACEMENT THERAPY

摘要

Provided herein are methods and compositions for rendering a cellular environment permissive to axon regeneration and neural cell transplantation. Methods for stimulating axon regeneration in adult subjects are also disclosed. The methods may comprise contacting a tissue with an agent that prevents glial scar formation, such as by inhibiting reactive astroglial cells, and optionally an agent that increases bcl-2 protein levels in neural cells. Exemplary agents include astrotoxin for inhibiting reactive astroglial cells and lithium for increasing bcl-2 protein levels.