The Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation proudly supported a 4 year research project conducted by PhD Student Rita Juneja from 2009 – 2013 at Bond University.

This project investigated the ability of the adult zebrafish to repair its central nervous system following damage. In contrast the majority of neurons in the adult mammalian central nervous system have a very limited capacity for regeneration or spontaneous axonal regrowth. This investigation identified key factors associated with the regeneration abilities of the central nervous system of these two species.

A greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in neuronal cell apoptosis and growth factor molecules may assist in the development of therapeutic strategies, aimed at repairing the injured brain and spinal cord in humans.