Disturbance in the neuronal network leads to instability in the microtubule (MT) railroad of axons, causing hindrance in the intra-axonal transport and making it difficult to re-establish the broken network. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons can stabilize their MTs, leading to the formation of regeneration-promoting structures called "growth cones". However, central nervous system (CNS) neurons lack this intrinsic reparative capability and, instead, form growth-incompetent structures called "retraction bulbs", which have a disarrayed MT network. It is evident from various studies that although axonal regeneration depends on both cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic factors, any therapy that aims at axonal regeneration ultimately converges onto MTs. Understanding the neuronal MT dynamics will help develop effective therapeutic strategies in diseases where the MT network gets disrupted, such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is also essential to know the factors that aid or inhibit MT stabilization. In this review, we have discussed the MT dynamics postaxotomy in the CNS and PNS, and factors that can directly influence MT stability in various diseases.
Keywords: Microtubule; axotomy; growth cone; regeneration; retraction bulb.