In transected nerves, distal repair Schwann cells are required at the injury site to direct and accelerate axonal regrowth

mutants lacking macrophages, debris from transected axons is cleared on schedule, and axonal regrowth is normal. Our studies demonstrate that Schwann cells immediately distal to the injury site have a unique and essential role in axonal regrowth. Main Points: After nerve transection in larval zebrafish, proximal and distal Schwann cells have distinct functions at injury siteA single distal repair Schwann cell is sufficient for axonal regrowthAxonal regrowth is normal in mutants without macrophages.