Researchers restore movement in mice by guiding nerve regrowth after spinal injuries
Biologists have shown that regenerating nerve cells can partly restore locomotion in mice suffering spinal cord injuries. The work involved teams from the University of California, Los Angeles; the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; and Harvard University. The findings appeared in a leading scientific journal, highlighting a crucial step toward therapies that could help people regain neurological function after spinal damage.
A landmark 2018 study had demonstrated that axons, the tiny fibers that connect nerve cells and enable communication, could be prompted to regrow after spinal injuries in rodent models. While this approach produced axonal regeneration even in severe lesions, it did not fully restore normal walking abilities in the animals. The newer research builds on those results by addressing not just growth, but the direction of regrowth.
Researchers discovered that growth alone was not enough. When axons were encouraged to extend toward their natural targets, mice showed marked improvements in movement. In contrast, random regrowth produced little functional benefit. The team used specific chemical signals to steer axonal regeneration, guiding neurons toward intended destinations within the nervous system.
In addition, scientists employed advanced genetic analyses to identify networks of nerve cells that contribute to the recovery of walking after partial spinal cord injury. This approach helped map which neuronal groups are most involved in regaining motor function and how they interact during healing.
The study opens meaningful avenues for developing treatments aimed at restoring neurological function in larger animals and humans. Yet, the researchers acknowledge the significant challenge of achieving long-distance regeneration in bigger organisms, where the spinal cord is longer and the neural circuitry more complex. Progress will depend on refining methods to promote targeted, durable repair and to translate findings from mice to practical therapies for people in the United States and Canada.
These advances join a growing body of work focused on neuroregeneration, signaling a shift from simply encouraging tissue growth to orchestrating the precise wiring required for functional recovery. Ongoing research will continue to explore how to combine cellular growth, targeted guidance, and molecular cues to maximize outcomes in real-world settings.
By advancing our understanding of how to direct nerve regrowth and identify critical neuron clusters, scientists aim to pave the way for future interventions that could restore movement and sensory function after spinal injuries. The ultimate goal remains to translate these discoveries into safe, effective treatments that enhance quality of life for patients facing spinal cord damage.