Repair of the injured spinal cord. A joint approach of basic and clinical research.

The myelin protein Nogo-A is a potent inhibitor of neurite outgrowth in the central nervous system, thus contributing to the incapacity of fiber tracts in the adult spinal cord to regenerate after injury. In this review we report on a joint approach of different research groups to develop a therapy applying anti-Nogo-A antibodies to the injured spinal cord. While basic researchers took the initiative to provide means of neutralizing the inhibitory effect of Nogo-A and demonstrated enhanced fiber growth, regeneration and functional recovery both in rodent and primate models, clinical groups and rehabilitation engineers have sought to translate this novel strategy into a clinical setting. (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.