Study discovers circadian clock regulates axonal regeneration and repair (Lithium helps)

Medical Xpress / Imperial College London / Cell Metabolism ^ | Nov. 24, 2023 | Hayley Dunning, Meesha Patel, Bryony Ravate / Francesco De Virgiliis et al

[ConservativeMind]

Scientists have discovered that the circadian clock regulates axonal regeneration and repair.

The authors found that DRG sensory neurons have an endogenous molecular clock that optimizes axonal regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve injury. The researchers also demonstrated that axonal regeneration can be promoted using chrono-active drugs, such as lithium, which is currently used in clinics for treating neurological disorders.

These findings pave the way for the use of clock-associated therapies and timed neurorehabilitation for people with Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) injuries.

Dr. Francesco De Virgiliis said, "Our study shows that the circadian clock regulates axonal regeneration, and we were able to exploit this mechanism by repurposing lithium, a chrono-active drug used for neurological disorders, to promote regeneration. Importantly, our findings put forth the concept of timed therapies and neurorehabilitation to improve nerve repair."

[ConservativeMind]

Nerves can partly regrow through the use of drugs like lithium, given at an appropriate time of the day.

[ConservativeMind]

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Damnit, Jim. I’m a doctor not a mouse.