Transforming growth factor-beta1 upregulates keratan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis in microglias after brain injury.

After injury to the adult central nervous system, levels of extracellular matrix molecules increase at the injury site and may inhibit the repair of injured axons. Among these molecules, the importance of proteoglycans, particularly their chondroitin sulfate chains, has been highlighted. We have recently reported that keratan sulfate-deficient mice show better axonal regeneration after injury.