Abstract Neural tissue has limited regenerative ability, to cope with that, in the recent years a diverse set of novel tools have been used to tailor neurostimulation therapies and promote functional regeneration after axonal injuries. In this report, we explore cell-specific methods to modulate neuronal activity, including opto- and chemogenetics to assess the effect of specific neuronal stimulation in the promotion of axonal regeneration after injury. We found that opto- or chemogenetic modulations of neuronal activity on both dorsal root ganglia and corticospinal motor neurons increase their axonal growth capacity only on permissive substrates.

Genetic control of neuronal activity enhances axonal growth only on permissive substrates