Lipin1 depletion promotes axon regeneration
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have discovered that inhibiting the gene lipin1 could offer a new therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries. Their research demonstrates that reducing this gene’s levels promotes regeneration of damaged nerve fibres in the central nervous system.
The research team, led by Professor Kai Liu, found that lowering levels of lipin1—a gene that produces an enzyme crucial for fat metabolism—by 63% led to significant improvements in nerve regeneration. When lipin1 levels are reduced, it triggers a cascade of cellular events that encourage the repair of damaged nerve fibres, known as axons.
Spinal cord injuries typically lead to permanent disabilities due to the adult central nervous system’s limited regenerative capacity—a major challenge in neuroscience. The study showed that targeting lipin1 could promote regeneration in both motor nerve fibres, which control movement, and sensory nerve fibres, which transmit information about touch and pain.
The researchers found that reducing lipin1 alters neuronal fat metabolism and activates key cellular pathways supporting nerve regeneration. This dual mechanism makes the approach particularly promising, with effectiveness appearing comparable to, or potentially better than, existing experimental approaches.
The research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, with Dr Weitao Chen, Junqiang Wu, and Dr Chao Yang as the co-first authors and Liu as the corresponding author. Croucher News recently published the results of another research project by Liu related to spinal cord injuries here.
This breakthrough emerged from collaboration between HKUST, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, highlighting the strength of cross-institutional research in Hong Kong. While representing a significant step forward in developing treatments for spinal cord injuries, further research is needed before clinical applications can begin.