Chapter 20: Gene therapy perspectives for nerve repair.

Despite advances in microsurgical techniques and a good rate of structural nerve healing, functional recovery often remains suboptimal, and thus innovative strategies able to provide extra neurotrophic support to the proper re-establishment of functional circuits are warranted. In this review, we will discuss the potential of gene therapy in fostering neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. We will then address a few key emerging concepts in the field, which might help in gaining a better understanding of the cellular and molecular events involved in axonal regeneration, and eventually to the definition of novel targets for intervention. The translation of these new concepts into effective therapies will represent an outstanding challenge for regenerative medicine over the next decades.