023 Harnessing the Role of Microtubules in Neural Regeneration to Improve Erectile Function Outcomes Following Cavernous Nerve Injury in a Rat Model of Radical Prostatectomy

Growing evidence demonstrates that pharmacological stabilization of microtubules has the potential to promote neural regeneration. Recently we reported that local depletion of a newly discovered endogenous microtubule regulator called Fidgetin-like 2 (FL2) promotes the closure and regeneration of cutaneous wounds. In the studies reported here we investigated if depletion of FL2 at the site of cavernous nerve (CN) injury in a rat (a model of radical prostatectomy (RP) might improve erectile function outcomes. Two rat models of CN injury were used; mild (a smooth clamp was applied for 2 minutes to the CN) and moderate (a serrated clamp was applied for 4 minutes to the CN). At the time of injury two formulations (nanoparticle or liposomal) for delivery of FL2-siRNA (experimental) or control-siRNA were applied. At several time points following injury (up to 4 weeks) erectile function was determined by measuring the intracorporal pressure/blood pressure ratio following electro-simulation of the CN.