# Cellular Dynamics of Axon Regeneration

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2020 · $405,022

## Abstract

The goal of this work is to define how axons regrow and reconnect after injury, focusing
on molecular regulators acting within individual axons. Our model system is the simple
animal C. elegans, in which single axons can be severed and regrow in vivo in a
generally permissive environment. We have used large-scale genetic screens to
discover conserved genes that promote or repress axon regrowth, most of which are not
involved in developmental axon outgrowth. We propose to examine in depth the roles
and interactions of three new regrowth-inhibiting pathways revealed from screening.
First, we will dissect the roles of a conserved regulator of axonal sprouting that may
regulate neuronal lipid metabolism. Second, we will examine how a highly conserved
kinase pathway inhibits axon regrowth. Finally, we will elucidate the role of mRNA decay
regulators in axonal regrowth and their potential link to mitochondrial function. Results
from this work will elucidate intrinsic mechanisms that allow mature axons to respond to
injury and regrow after damage. In vertebrates, peripheral nerves are capable of
regrowth, yet recovery after peripheral nerve trauma is often slow and incomplete. The
human CNS undergoes minimal regeneration after injury, reflecting the combined effects
of an inhibitory environment and of reduced intrinsic regrowth capacity. Improved
knowledge of regrowth mechanisms in organisms with high intrinsic regrowth capacity
will also inform our understanding of why CNS neurons do not regrow. Many C. elegans
pathways have been found to have conserved roles in axon regrowth, indicating the
mechanisms underlying C. elegans axon regrowth will continue to yield insights into
general principles of neuronal repair.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9929052
- **Project number:** 5R01NS093588-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew D Chisholm
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $405,022
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2015-07-15 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9929052

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9929052, Cellular Dynamics of Axon Regeneration (5R01NS093588-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9929052. Licensed CC0.

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