NRG‐1 Promotes Axon Regeneration of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons in Diabetic Rats via ITGB1/FAK/AKT Pathway

<b>Objectives:</b> The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the ITGB1/FAK/AKT pathway in NRG-1 in mediating the axonal growth of dorsal root ganglion neurons in Type I diabetic rats and to explore the mechanism of neuronal axonal regeneration. <b>Result:</b> The effects of NRG-1 on neurite outgrowth in diabetic rats were determined by protein quantification and axon length analysis in which axons were identified with tubulin-<i>β</i>III-specific staining. Western blot showed that the signaling activity of the ITGB1/FAK/AKT pathway was decreased in diabetic rats compared with normal rats, and exogenous NRG-1 significantly promoted axonal growth and activated the pathway. After the addition of ITGB1-specific siRNA, the axonal growth-promoting effect of NRG-1 was partially reversed. <b>Conclusion:</b> NRG-1 promotes axonal outgrowth in diabetic DRGs via upregulating the ITGB1/FAK/AKT pathway, providing a potential target for diabetic neuropathy.