Figure 8.

Schematic diagram of a NSC-derived optic nerve relay. (Left) Mature RGCs have a limited potential for axonal regeneration and, if axotomized, must regenerate a considerable distance (green dashed line) to reach targets in the lateral geniculate nucleus or superior colliculus. (Right) NSCs have a greater intrinsic potential for axon growth. When transplanted into the optic nerve to form an optic nerve relay, NSCs shorten the distance mature RGCs need to regenerate to reform synapses (green dashed line) and address the need for long-distance growth to reach terminal targets (red solid line).