Methods and compositions related to dlk-1 and the p38 mapk pathway in nerve regeneration

A method of regenerating axons in a subject, the method comprising activating a gene with 80% or greater homology to a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans.

A method of regenerating axons, the method comprising inhibiting a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans.

A method of regenerating axons in a subject, the method comprising inhibiting a gene with 80% or greater homology to a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans.

A method of treating a subject with a neurodegenerative disease, the method comprising activating a gene with 80% or greater homology to a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans.

A method of treating a subject with a neurodegenerative disease, the method comprising inhibiting a gene with 80% or greater homology to a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans.

A method of regenerating axons in a subject, the method comprising activating a gene with 80% or greater homology to a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans by contacting the gene with a compound that activates said gene.

A method of regenerating axons in a subject, the method comprising inhibiting a gene with 80% or greater homology to a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans by contacting the gene with a compound that inhibits said gene.

A method of screening for a test compound that modulates the p38 MAPK pathway of C. elegans, comprising:

• (a) contacting a gene in the p38 MAPK pathway with a test compound;
• and (b) detecting interaction between the gene and the test compound, wherein interaction between the gene and the test compound indicates a test compound that modulates the p38 MAPK pathway.