Time-dependent adaptations of damaged neurons and their microenvironment in the regenerating adult zebrafish spinal cord

Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers complex cellular and extracellular responses that disrupt neuronal connectivity and hinder repair. While mammals have limited regenerative abilities, zebrafish achieve functional recovery through coordinated neuroprotection and plasticity. Here, we examined how structural and functional adaptations of damaged spinal neurons interact with extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics during regeneration in adult zebrafish. We found that injured neurons undergo reversible changes in cellular properties and synaptic input, mediated mainly by glutamatergic signaling. These modifications coincide with a transient ECM reorganization marked by increased deposition of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Enzymatic CSPG degradation paradoxically partially impaired long-term axonal regrowth and locomotor recovery. Thus, CSPG-rich ECM exerts a dual role: initially restricting plasticity but subsequently supporting structural stabilization and regeneration. Our finding..., , , # Data from: Time-dependent adaptations of damaged neurons and their microenvironment in the regenerating adult zebrafish spinal cord

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.bnzs7h4qj](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.bnzs7h4qj)

## Description of the data and file structure

#### File name: Dataset.xlsx

The dataset contains all the data used to generate the statistical analyses (as presented in Table S1) and figure panels (in both main figures and supplementary figures) included in this manuscript. In detail:

**Figure 1**

Panel B: Soma sizes of different neuronal populations, such as all Motoneurons (MNs), primary Motoneurons (pMNs), all V2a Interneurons (V2a-INs), dorsal V2a Interneurons (dV2a-INs).

Panel D: Number of dendritic intersections for different distances from the soma for both pMNs and dV2a-INs

Panel G: Maximum rostral projection of the dendrites of the uninjured and injured pMNs.

Panel H: Maximum rostral projection of the dendrites of the uninjured and injured dV2a-INs.

Panel I: ...