Potential roles of stem cell marker genes in axon regeneration

Axon regeneration is orchestrated by many genes that are differentially expressed in response to injury. Through a comparative analysis of gene expression profiling, injury-responsive genes that are potential targets for understanding the mechanisms underlying regeneration have been revealed. As the efficiency of axon regeneration in both the peripheral and central nervous systems can be manipulated, we suggest that identifying regeneration-associated genes is a promising approach for developing therapeutic applications in vivo. Here, we review the possible roles of stem cell marker- or stemness-related genes in axon regeneration to gain a better understanding of the regeneration mechanism and to identify targets that can enhance regenerative capacity.