New Energy Frontier for Regeneration: Non-Mitochondrial Pathways Fueling Injury-Induced Axonal Regrowth

Abstract

The ability of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) to regenerate its damaged axons is limited, in part because of its inability to muster the required energy production machinery to the axon to support the regrowth. Although mitochondria have long been considered the primary source of metabolic support, recent research has expanded the focus to include glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, both of which contribute to local energy production and redox balance during regeneration. This review summarizes current advances in our understanding of these metabolic processes and integrates them into a conceptual framework that may inform further research and the development of strategies to enhance axon regeneration in the adult CNS.