AUTHOR=Alhamdi Alaa A. , Mackie Shona , Trueman Ryan P. , Rayner Melissa L. D. 

TITLE=Pharmacologically targeting Schwann cells to improve regeneration following nerve damage

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1603752

DOI=10.3389/fcell.2025.1603752

ISSN=2296-634X

ABSTRACT=Schwann cells provide essential support for nerve growth and survival following peripheral nerve damage by producing various growth factors and other signalling molecules. Modulating the proliferation, differentiation, migration, or myelination of Schwann cells could result in accelerated repair and regeneration of injured nerves, ultimately leading to improved motor and sensory function. Therefore, Schwann cells are commonly advocated as therapeutic targets for nerve damage, which could be mediated by pharmacological intervention. This review discusses how compounds such as growth factors, hormones, and small molecules can regulate intracellular signalling pathways involved in modulating Schwann cells.