PMCID
PMC13119319

Statins and genetic inhibition of the mevalonate pathway activate an ATF3-STMN2 regenerative program.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Loss of neuronal regenerative capacity is a common feature of neurodegenerative disease and axonal injury, yet the transcriptional programs governing this state remain poorly defined. Stathmin-2 (STMN2), a tubulin-binding protein essential for axon maintenance and repair, is profoundly depleted following loss of nuclear TDP-43 in neurodegenerative disease. Here, we identify statins as potent inducers of STMN2 expression. Pharmacological and genetic suppression of the mevalonate pathway, and subsequent prevention of protein geranylgeranylation, restored STMN2 levels in TDP-43 deficient cells and promoted neurite growth. STMN2 induction was abrogated when using a statin analogue unable to interact with HMG-CoA reductase, and through co-administration of mevalonate or geranylgeranyl diphosphate substrates. RNA-seq revealed that statins induce a coordinated pro-regenerative transcriptional response, including activation of the AP-1 transcription factor complex gene, . Loss of ATF3 attenuated STMN2 induction , and diminished injury-induced upregulation in spinal motor neurons . These results demonstrate statins as modulators of ATF3 and STMN2 expression and highlight their therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disease.

Year of Publication
2026
Journal
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
Date Published
02/2026
ISSN
2692-8205
DOI
10.64898/2026.02.23.707492
PubMed ID
42051315
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