# Satellite Glial Cells in Peripheral Nerve Injury and Regeneration

## TL;DR

This paper explores how satellite glial cells respond to nerve injury and how they can be targeted to improve nerve regeneration.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the role of PPARα activation in satellite glial cells for enhancing axonal regeneration.

## Key findings

- Satellite glial cells undergo gliosis and alter marker expression after nerve injury.
- PPARα activation in satellite glial cells promotes axonal regeneration.
- Satellite glial cells regulate the neuronal microenvironment during injury.

## Abstract

Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are morphologically unique peripheral glial cells that surround neuronal somas in sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic ganglia. Satellite glial cells communicate with neurons that they ensheathe and form a distinct structural and functional unit. Following peripheral nerve injury, satellite glial cells undergo remarkable morphological changes, including gliosis, and help regulate the microenvironment surrounding neuronal somas. The expression of many satellite glial cell markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and connexin-43, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors in satellite glial cells is altered in these cells. Injury responses of satellite glial cells, particularly the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), contribute to enhanced axonal regeneration. Targeting satellite glial cells may therefore offer novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.