Abstract: Following nerve injury, axonal disconnection in neurons usually results in persistent functional deficits, such as paralysis. However, axons in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) have very limited regenerative ability. Understanding the molecular mechanism of controlling axon regeneration can provide idea for the design of effective therapeutic interventions for CNS injury, such as spinal cord injuries. Efficient axonal regeneration is achieved via gene expression in the neuronal soma, axonal transport of raw materials along the shaft, and membrane and cytoskeleton assembly at the nerve growth cone. Each process is delicately regulated by spatial-temporal controlled signaling pathways that target distinct effectors. Gene expression in the neuronal soma, especially of transcription factors, is often activated immediately following nerve injury.