MicroRNA-223 protects neurons from degeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Neuronal damage is triggered by various harmful factors that engage diverse signalling cascades in neurons; thus, therapeutic approaches to protect neurons will need to focus on agents that can target multiple biological processes. We have therefore focused our attention on microRNAs: small non-coding RNAs that primarily function as post-transcriptional regulators that target messenger RNAs and repress their translation into proteins.

The Molecular Interplay between Axon Degeneration and Regeneration.

Neurons face a series of morphological and molecular changes following trauma and in the progression of neurodegenerative disease. In neurons capable of mounting a spontaneous regenerative response, including invertebrate neurons and mammalian neurons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), axons regenerate from the proximal side of the injury and degenerate on the distal side. Studies of Wallerian degeneration slow (Wld /Ola) mice have revealed that a level of coordination between the processes of axon regeneration and degeneration occurs during successful repair.

Maximizing functional axon repair in the injured central nervous system: Lessons from neuronal development.

The failure of damaged axons to regrow underlies disability in central nervous system injury and disease. Therapies that stimulate axon repair will be critical to restore function. Extensive axon regeneration can be induced by manipulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors; however, it has been difficult to translate this into functional recovery in models of spinal cord injury.

Extracellular functions of 14-3-3 adaptor proteins.

14-3-3s are a family of adaptor proteins with a wide range of roles in cell signaling. Although they are primarily localized within the cytosol, 14-3-3s are also known to be present in the extracellular environment. Externalization of 14-3-3 can occur as a result of cell death or physiologically via release in exosomes.