Repulsive factors and axon regeneration in the CNS

During the past year, a major advance in the study of axon regeneration was the molecular cloning of Nogo. The expression of Nogo protein by CNS myelin may be a major factor in the failure of CNS axon regeneration. The effect of disrupting Nogo-dependent axon inhibition can now be studied conclusively. In related work, immunization with a Nogo-containing CNS myelin preparation was shown to promote regeneration and dramatic functional recovery after spinal cord trauma.