Axon, in development and injury

The cytoskeletal structure of growth cones plays an important role in both the development of the nervous system and during periods of axon re- generation. The growth cone is a highly dynamic structure located at the tip of growing axons, providing navigation and movement. Signalling cascades are activated that lead to the regulation of the growth cone cytoskeleton, defining its displacement, rotation, or collapse. Despite advances in under- standing guidance cues and their mechanisms of action, knowledge of what happens to the nervous system after injury is lacking. Unlike axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), that are able to regenerate after neuronal injury, axons in the central nervous system (CNS) loose regenerative ability as they mature. Unravelling the mechanisms of axon guidance, together with their behaviour after axotomy and regeneration, is extremely important for the understanding of CNS injuries and to provide treatment of these injuries in the future