Neuroregeneration refers to the process of repairing or replacing damaged or lost neurons in the nervous system. This capability occurs in certain areas of the nervous system, particularly the peripheral nervous system (PNS), but is more limited in the central nervous system (CNS) due to several factors. The CNS has a unique microenvironment that contains inhibitory factors, such as myelin-associated inhibitors and glial scar formation that impede neuroregeneration. Whilst the glial scar helps to seal off neuronal injury, it also produces molecules that inhibit axonal growth, limiting CNS neuroregeneration. These factors therefore create barriers that impede axonal regeneration and limit the ability of neurons to grow and form new connections after injury. Unlike the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the CNS lacks the same permissive substrates that promote axonal growth. In the PNS, Schwann cells produce growth-promoting factors, but in the CNS, oligodendrocytes do not provide the same regenerative trophic support. In the adult CNS, the rate of neuronal proliferation is also significantly lower compared to certain areas of the PNS and other tissues. The limited proliferation of neural stem cells in the CNS reduces the potential for new neurons to replace damaged ones. Peripheral nerves, unlike neurons in the brain and spinal cord, can undergo significant regeneration following injury. The process begins with the activation of Schwann cells, specialized glial cells that form the myelin sheath around nerve fibres. When a peripheral nerve is injured, a process called Wallerian degeneration occurs. This involves the disintegration of the distal part of the axon and myelin sheath that is separated from the cell body. The degenerating axon and myelin release signalling molecules that then trigger the activation of Schwann cells. Following activation, Schwann cells dedifferentiate and transform into repair cells, supporting the regrowth of damaged axons. Certain growth factors, such as neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and glial growth factor (GGF), have been shown to play a role in Schwann cell dedifferentiation and regeneration, whilst the Notch signalling pathway is also thought to regulate Schwann cell dedifferentiation. This process enables functional recovery in peripheral nerves after injuries such as nerve compression, laceration, or crush. One key example of neuroregeneration is the regrowth of axons after peripheral nerve injury. For instance, following a severed peripheral nerve, surgical intervention may be required to align the nerve ends and facilitate regeneration. Over time, however the axons will grow and reconnect with their target tissues, leading to restored functionality in the affected region. Experimental therapies are being explored to enhance neuroregeneration in the CNS. Stem cell therapy is one such approach, where stem cells are transplanted into the injured brain or spinal cord to promote regeneration and provide a supportive environment for repair. Additionally, researchers are investigating ways to modulate the inhibitory factors in the CNS environment to encourage axon growth. In some cases, specific areas of the CNS can demonstrate limited neuroregenerative potential. For example, the hippocampus, a region associated with memory, has been observed to produce new neurons throughout life via neurogenesis. We provide a wide product range of research reagents for investigating neuroregeneration, including Vimentin antibodies, Adenosine Receptor A2a antibodies, NGF antibodies, FGF9 ELISA Kits, and NGF ELISA Kits. Explore our full neuroregeneration product range below and discover more, for less.