Credit: Josiah Gerdts (Milbrandt lab)
Nerve axons (left) serve as the electrical wiring of the nervous system. Scientists have implicated a specific molecule in triggering a self-destruct program in axons that leads to their degeneration (right). Since axonal degeneration is a common thread in many neurodegenerative diseases, including peripheral neuropathy, researchers are seeking ways to block it. Both images show mouse axons. Yellow and green color added for clarity.