Astrocyte-derived lipocalin 2 promotes inflammation and scarring after spinal cord injury by activating SMAD in mice

The inflammatory response and scar formation after spinal cord injury (SCI) limit nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Our research group has previously shown that the expression of astrocyte-derived lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is upregulated after SCI, which correlates with neuronal apoptosis and functional recovery. Therefore, we speculate that astrocyte-specific knockdown of Lcn2 after SCI may lead to a better prognosis.