Methods and compositions for nerve regeneration

Methods and compositions for modulating growth of a neuron with a Wnt, a Wnt-like substance, and/or a chemical compound affecting a Wnt signaling pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying a substance that modulates growth of a neuron by obtaining a candidate substance and contacting the candidate substance with the neuron are disclosed and methods for modulating growth of a neuron in a subject using a Wnt, a Wnt-like substance, and/or a chemical compound affecting a Wnt signaling pathway. The Wnt, Wnt-like substance, and/or chemical compounds affecting a Wnt signaling pathway can be delivered to the subject using gene therapy techniques. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions for modulating growth of a neuron in a mammal that include a Wnt or a Wnt-like substance. Methods and compositions for inhibiting growth of a neuron are also disclosed.