Fig. 3.

The role of TAM signaling in maintaining homeostasis, regulating inflammation and preventing neurodegeneration. At steady state, the TAM pathway mediates homeostasis via regulation of NSCs, microglial activity, myelination and phagocytosis. Upon injury, such as acute trauma, a demyelination event or neurodegenerative conditions, inflammation is instigated which may induce neurogenesis, elevated cytokine secretion, microglial and astrocytic gliosis, oligodendrocyte damage and demyelination. If unresolved, primary injury further develops into secondary injury with high toxicity, necrosis and may potentially develop into a chronic inflammatory condition, with activation of microglia and astrocytes, demyelination and toxin release before a new homeostasis is reached with accompanying tissue repair. Alternatively, primary injury may be resolved without secondary injury. TAM signaling is involved in various aspects of homeostasis and tissue repair, as detailed in the main text.