Alexander Jaworski, PhD, a neuroscience assistant professor at Brown University in Providence, R.I., studied how neurons connect across the spinal cord, according to Health Canal.
Science published the findings.
Here are five observations:
1. Dr. Jaworski found a protein, called NELL2, is responsible for guiding neurons as they reach axons across the spinal cord midline.
2. NELL 2 "binds to a critical receptor" on Robo3 neurons, pushing axon growth away from the path.
3. This protein discovery is the third guider in a neuron's axon growth path. Neurons extend axons to Netrin, stays away from NELL2 and ignore rules set by Slit.
4. This discovery provides insight into how to repair central nervous system injuries.
5. Dr. Jaworski plans to further research if there is a connection between NELL2 and Robo3 in the brain.