Oncomodulin is a parvalbumin-family calcium-binding protein expressed and secreted by macrophages (that typically traffic to tissue as an inflammatory response or after injury).
The regeneration effects of oncomodulin outcompetes other neurotrophic factors like BDNF, CNTF, and GDNF.
[2] When added to retinal nerve cells in a petri dish with no other growth factors present, oncomodulin has been shown to promote neuron regrowth at 5-7 times the normal rate.
[4] Oncomodulin has been found in cytotrophoblasts of human and rat placenta and in the early stages of embryos.
[8] For oncomodulin to work properly, it must have elevated levels of cAMP and the sugar mannose, which is present in the vitreous of the eye.
[10] Inducing an inflammatory response enables the ability of sensory neurons to regenerate their axons through the dorsal roots.
Without neutrophils present, macrophages are less effective at stimulating extensive regeneration of neurons.
[4] Eye drops with oncomodulin can be a useful method of promoting nerve regrowth in mild cases of optic gliomas.
[5] Injections with zymosan can promote macrophages to enter the eye and secrete oncomodulin.
[11] Injections into patients with severed spinal cords has shown to restore partial motor function.