Advances and Challenges for Neural Regeneration Research

Injuries to the nervous system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, are devastating events that affect the full spectrum of human life. Understanding the mechanisms by which axons fail to regenerate and developing novel strategies and therapeutic interventions to ameliorate or even prevent damage to the nervous system are ultimate goals of the scientists working in this field. Since the mid-1990s, numerous studies have been conducted and many exciting new discoveries have been made that have significantly advanced our knowledge in neural regeneration. However, only limited treatments are available today for the victims of neurological injuries, and clinicians and scientists still face significant challenges. In this chapter, we introduce basic principles of neural regeneration, highlight major advances and challenges in neural regeneration, and discuss how these challenges are met to advance science and to translate novel discoveries to clinical applications.