Age-related loss of axonal regeneration is reflected by the level of local translation

Regeneration capacity is reduced as CNS axons mature. Using laser-mediated axotomy, proteomics and pummycin-based tagging of newly-synthesized proteins in a human embryonic stem cell-derived neuron culture system that allows isolation of axons from cell bodies, we show here that efficient regeneration in younger axons (d45 in culture) is associated with local axonal protein synthesis (local translation). Enhanced regeneration, promoted by co-culture with human glial precursor cells, is associated with increased axonal synthesis of proteins, including those constituting the translation machinery itself. Reduced regeneration, as occurs with the maturation of these axons by d65 in culture, correlates with reduced levels of axonal proteins involved in translation and an inability to respond by increased translation of regeneration promoting axonal mRNAs released from stress granules. Together, our results provide evidence that, as in development and in the PNS, local translation contributes to CNS axon regeneration.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that efficient axon regeneration in younger axons is associated with local axonal protein synthesis, while reduced regeneration in mature axons is correlated with decreased levels of axonal proteins involved in translation. Furthermore, enhanced regeneration induced by co-culture with glial precursor cells is linked to increased axonal synthesis of proteins, including those constituting the translation machinery itself.