SDF-1/CXCL12: Its role in spinal cord injury

The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1/CXCL12), is not only the most ancient, but also one of the most potent chemotactic factors. Orchestrating the migration of cells as well as promoting axon outgrowth in the presence of myelin inhibitors, SDF-1 is fundamental to central nervous system development, homeostasis and traumatic injury. SDF-1 attracts endogenous stem/precursor cells and immune cells to the injury site and, upon local infusion, enhances axonal sprouting following spinal cord injury. Together these features make SDF-1 a very exciting molecule for spinal cord repair.