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Technological advances in axonal regeneration and structural plasticity: optogenetics; single-cell omics; and tissue clearing
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DOI：10.3389/fncel.2026.1857896.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Modern techniques have provided novel insights into the molecular and structural characteristics of neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Over the past decade; advancements in optogenetics; single-cell RNA sequencing; and tissue clearing have enabled unprecedented resolution; sensitivity; and throughput; driving progress in CNS repair. In this review; we focus on how these technologies have illuminated the dynamic structural and functional behaviors of axons; from degeneration to regeneration; following spinal cord and optic nerve injuries. Optogenetics offers precise spatiotemporal control of neuronal activity; revealing how targeted stimulation influences axonal growth and circuit reorganization. Single-cell omics uncovers the heterogeneity of axonal regenerative capacity among neuronal subtypes and identifies novel regeneration-associated genes (RAGs) that orchestrate axonal structural remodeling. Tissue clearing and 3D imaging allow direct visualization of axonal trajectories; growth cone morphology; and pathfinding errors in intact tissue; overcoming limitations of conventional histology. Together; these approaches have provided important insights into axonal dynamics and have opened new avenues for promoting functional recovery after CNS injury.
Keywords:
spinal cord injury
single-cell RNA sequencing
optogenetics
tissue clearing
3D imaging
axon regeneration
optic nerve injury
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