Pathological Role of Neuronal cell cycle re-entry in the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side effect experienced by patients receiving treatment for cancer. CIPN is a common clinical problem; approximately 30-40% of patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy will suffer from this condition and. unfortunately. there is no preventive treatment for CIPN. Our recent study on neurodegeneration suggests that cell cycle re-entry in peripheral neurons play a critical role in the development of CIPN and targeting neuronal cell cycle machinery may be a highly effective therapy for CIPN. To test this idea. we will examine the role of cell cycle regulatory pathways in the cell culture and animal models for CIPN. Since the inhibition of cell cycle activity also has anti-cancer activity. targeting neuronal cell cycle activity may be an ideal therapeutic approach that prevents CIPN without decreasing the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic.