GENETIC AND MOLECULAR MECHANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH PERIPHERAL NERVE REGENERATION AND VASCULAR REPAIR

Abstract

Peripheral nerve regeneration and vascular repair are closely interconnected biological processes that are essential for restoring tissue structure and function following injury. Effective regeneration depends on coordinated cellular and molecular responses involving Schwann cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix components. This review summarizes the major genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate peripheral nerve regeneration and vascular repair, with particular emphasis on Wallerian degeneration, Schwann cell reprogramming, axonal regeneration, and angiogenesis. Key genetic regulators, including transcription factors and neurotrophic molecules, are discussed alongside the roles of non-coding RNAs and epigenetic modifications in controlling regenerative responses. The review further examines neurovascular crosstalk, highlighting how interactions between neural and vascular systems contribute to tissue remodeling and functional recovery. Shared signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, JAK/STAT, Notch, TGF-β/Smad, and HIF-1α/VEGF, are explored as central regulators of both nerve and vascular regeneration. In addition, emerging therapeutic strategies involving gene-based interventions, stem-cell therapies, extracellular vesicles, and tissue-engineered biomaterials are evaluated for their potential to enhance regenerative outcomes. Collectively, current evidence demonstrates that successful tissue repair relies on the integration of neural and vascular regenerative mechanisms. A deeper understanding of these interconnected molecular networks may facilitate the development of targeted therapies capable of improving functional recovery and advancing regenerative medicine.