A key signalling pathway underlying this switch is mediated by the α2δ2 subunit of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels,9 which is activated by the astrocyte-released synaptogenic molecule thrombospondin-1 (THBS1).10 Accordingly, systemic administration of the clinically approved α2δ1/2 antagonist pregabalin in a spinal cord injury model reversed this switch and re-established axonal regeneration.9 This evidence concerns the gene THBS1 and spinal cord injury.