Even with modern advances in molecular biology,materials engineering and microsurgi-cal techniques,little progress has been made in terms of effective PNS repair produ-cts. Researchersare still in theprocess of deciphering the cue hierarchy that dicta-tes axon pathfinding decision-making. Certainly,itis quite likely that synergisms between cues also promotes or discourages directed regeneration. Inthis area,there may be significant overlap with the body of work as it pertains to CNS neurons. Whil-e the PNS system has an advantage in terms of a more conducive microenvironment,le-ssons learnedfrom one field may be borrowed to aid the other. In addition,a multi-faceted strategy that strives toimprove the damaged PNS environment and if possible,limit the initial cell death is crucial forclinical success. Indeed,much of the cu-rrent research is heading in the direction of combinedtherapies. In the coming year-s,the confluence between the engineering disciplines and biology willcertainly seethe emergence of clinical relevant devices for ameliorating or repairing traumatic P-NS injury.
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