Data for: Chronic stress hinders sensory axon regeneration via impairing mitochondrial cristae and OXPHOS

Despite the recognition of the negative effects of chronic stress on SCI recovery, the mechanisms linking stress and regeneration are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the impact of chronic stress on primary sensory axon regeneration in a mouse model of preconditioning lesions.

Our findings showed that chronic stress caused mitochondrial damage and energy crisis within primary sensory neurons, hindering the regrowth of their central axons. The stress hormone corticosterone was identified as a critical factor in this process, impacting satellite glial cells instead of neurons by suppressing Kir4.1 expression and leading to increased neuronal hyperactivity and elevated ROS levels. These high levels of ROS altered the shape of the mitochondrial cristae and disrupted ATP production, which is essential for powering axonal regeneration.