The Rho family GTPases regulates axon growth and regeneration. Inactivation
of Rho with C3, a toxin from Clostridium botulinum, can stimulate
regeneration and sprouting of injured axons. The present invention
provides novel chimeric C3-like Rho antagonists. These new antagonists are
a significant improvement over C3 compounds because they are 3-4 orders of
magnitude more potent to stimulate axon growth on inhibitory substrates
than recombinant C3. The invention further provides evidence that these
compounds promote repair when applied to the injured mammalian central
nervous system.
