 The neuromuscular junction has evolved the ability to regenerate after damage, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, researchers found that the protein CXCl12α is released by Schwann cells following motor neuron degeneration, and it binds to the CXCl4 receptor on neurons. This interaction leads to faster recovery from motor neuron degeneration in vivo, and it can also promote axon growth in vitro. These findings suggest that the CXCl12CXCl4 axis plays an important role in the regeneration of the neuromuscular junction after motor axon injury. This discovery could lead to new treatments for motor neuron diseases, such as a myotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS. This article was authored by Samuel Negro, Francesca Lessie, Eliza Giorgotti, and others.