Denervation-Related Neuromuscular Junction Changes: From Degeneration to Regeneration

Xinying Huang; Junjian Jiang; Jianguang Xu

doi:10.3389/fnmol.2021.810919

Denervation-Related Neuromuscular Junction Changes: From Degeneration to Regeneration

Front Mol Neurosci. 2022 Feb 24:14:810919. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.810919. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Xinying Huang^{1

2

3

4}, Junjian Jiang^{1

3

4}, Jianguang Xu^{1

3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
² Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
³ Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China.
⁴ Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are the key interface between terminal nerves and targeted muscle, which undergo degeneration during denervation periods. Denervation-related NMJs changes limits the recovery level of nerve repair strategies. Insights into mechanisms behind neuromuscular junction degeneration and regeneration, following denervation and reinnervation, are of clinical value. Developing some therapies to maintain or protect structures and functions of NMJs may contribute to a better prognosis. Here, we reviewed previous studies of NMJs focusing on the morphological, functional, and molecular changes after denervation, and if those changes can be reversed after reinnervation. Also, we reviewed about the present probable strategies that have been applied clinically or could still be studied in targeting the neuromuscular junction protection or regeneration improvement.

Keywords: acetylcholine receptors (AchRs); clinical therapy; denervation; neuromuscular junction; reinnervation.

Publication types

Review