Unveiling the role of sensory neurons in tissue repair

The research, conducted under the guidance of Associate Professor Mikaël Martino from Monash University, who also holds a position at Osaka University, and in collaboration with Professor Shizuo Akira from IFReC, was recently published in Nature. It elucidates the complex relationship between the nervous and immune systems, demonstrating how sensory neurons are not just pain sensors but also key players in the healing process.

The study focused on a subtype of sensory neurons that express the Nav1.8 ion channel. The researchers found that removing these neurons severely affects the repair processes in skin wounds and muscle tissues. These neurons reach into the damaged areas and interact with immune cells via the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP is pivotal in recruiting immune cells that facilitate tissue repair.

In models such as mice without sensory neurons and diabetic mice with compromised peripheral nerves, the administration of an engineered version of CGRP showed enhanced wound healing and muscle regeneration. This breakthrough points to new potential treatments that could specifically target and improve the healing processes in tissues.

Looking forward, the team at Monash and Osaka Universities plans to develop treatments that leverage the neuro-immune interactions discovered in their research. These therapies aim to address the root causes of impaired tissue repair, especially in conditions like diabetes.

The collaboration between Monash University and Osaka University, part of the Global Knowledge Partners initiative, has been instrumental in advancing this research. Associate Professor Mikaël Martino emphasized the importance of this partnership in fostering effective international cooperation, which has been crucial in driving forward these groundbreaking findings.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Osaka University