Details of a Researcher - Kimura, Shunsuke

Papers - Kimura, Shunsuke

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Protective effect of mesenchymal stromal cells in diabetic nephropathy: the In vitro and In vivo role of the M-Sec-tunneling nanotubes.

Federica Barutta, Beatrice Corbetta, Stefania Bellini, Roberto Gambino, Stefania Bruno, Shunsuke Kimura, Koji Hase, Hiroshi Ohno, Gabriella Gruden

Clinical science 138 ( 23 ) 1537 - 1559 2024.12

Research paper (scientific journal), Accepted

AP-1B regulates interactions of epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes in the intestine

Ryohtaroh Matsumoto, Kosuke Ogata, Daisuke Takahashi, Yusuke Kinashi, Takahiro Yamada, Ryo Morita, Keisuke Tanaka, Kouya Hattori, Mayumi Endo, Yumiko Fujimura, Nobuo Sasaki, Hiroshi Ohno, Yasushi Ishihama, Shunsuke Kimura, Koji Hase

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (Springer Science and Business Media LLC) 81 ( 1 ) 425 - 425 2024.10

Corresponding author, Accepted, ISSN 1420-682X

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) reside in the epithelial layer and protect against foreign pathogens, maintaining the epithelial barrier function in the intestine. Interactions between IEL and epithelial cells are required for IELs to function effectively; however, the underlying molecular machinery remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that intestinal epithelium-specific deficiency of the clathrin adaptor protein (AP)-1B, which regulates basolateral protein sorting, led to a massive reduction in IELs. Quantitative proteomics demonstrated that dozens of proteins, including known IEL-interacting proteins (E-cadherin, butyrophilin-like 2, and plexin B2), were decreased in the basolateral membrane of AP-1B-deficient epithelial cells. Among these proteins, CD166 interacted with CD6 on the surface of induced IEL. CD166 knockdown, using shRNA in intestinal organoid cultures, significantly inhibited IEL recruitment to the epithelial layer. These findings highlight the essential role of AP-1B-mediated basolateral sorting in IEL maintenance and survival within the epithelial layer. This study reveals a novel function of AP-1B in the intestinal immune system.

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Intestinal epithelium dysfunctions cause IgA deposition in the kidney glomeruli of intestine-specific Ap1m2-deficient mice.

Yusuke Kinashi, Keisuke Tanaka, Shunsuke Kimura, Masato Hirota, Seiga Komiyama 1, Tomoko Shindo 3, Akinori Hashiguchi, Daisuke Takahashi , Shinsuke Shibata, Shin-Ichiro Karaki, Hiroshi Ohno, Koji Hase

EBioMedicine 106 105256 2024.07

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Corresponding author, Accepted

Purified diet affects intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier functions through gut microbial alterations.

Hiroaki Shiratori, Kisara M Hattori, Kazuaki Nakata, Takuma Okawa, Seiga Komiyama, Yusuke Kinashi, Yuma Kabumoto, Yuria Kaneko, Motoyoshi Nagai, Tomoko Shindo, Nobuko Moritoki, Yuki I Kawamura, Taeko Dohi, Daisuke Takahashi, Shunsuke Kimura, Koji Hase

International immunology 2024.01

Research paper (scientific journal), Accepted

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining epithelial barrier function. Although multiple studies have demonstrated the significance of dietary factors on gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function, the impact of a purified diet, which has long been used in various animal experiments, on intestinal homeostasis remains to be elucidated. Here, we compared the impact of two different types of diets, a crude diet and an AIN-93G-formula purified diet, on epithelial integrity and the gut microbiota. Purified diet-fed mice exhibited shorter villi and crypt lengths and slower epithelial turnover, particularly in the ileum. In addition, antimicrobial products, including islet-derived protein 3γ (REG3γ), were substantially decreased in purified diet-fed mice. Purified diet feeding also suppressed α1,2-fucosylation on the epithelial surface. Furthermore, purified diet induced metabolic rewiring to fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the ileal contents and mucus layer revealed distinct gut microbiota compositions between the purified and crude diet-fed mice. Purified diet feeding reduced the abundance of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), which potently upregulate REG3γ and fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2) by stimulating group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) to produce IL-22. These observations illustrate that the intake of a crude diet secures epithelial barrier function by facilitating SFB colonization, whereas a purified diet insufficiently establishes the epithelial barrier, at least partly owing to the loss of SFB. Our data suggest that the influence of purified diets on the epithelial barrier integrity should be considered in experiments using purified diets.

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Dysfunction of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells Induces Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota via Aberrant Binding of Immunoglobulins to Microbes in the Intestinal Lumen.

Kouhei Koshida, Mitsuki Ito, Kyosuke Yakabe, Yoshimitsu Takahashi, Yuki Tai, Ryouhei Akasako, Tatsuki Kimizuka, Shunsuke Takano, Natsumi Sakamoto, Kei Haniuda, Shuhei Ogawa, Shunsuke Kimura, Yun-Gi Kim, Koji Hase, Yohsuke Harada

International journal of molecular sciences 24 ( 10 ) 2023.05

Research paper (scientific journal), Accepted

Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells prevent excessive immune responses against dietary antigens and commensal bacteria in the intestine. Moreover, Treg cells contribute to the establishment of a symbiotic relationship between the host and gut microbes, partly through immunoglobulin A. However, the mechanism by which Treg cell dysfunction disturbs the balanced intestinal microbiota remains unclear. In this study, we used Foxp3 conditional knockout mice to conditionally ablate the Foxp3 gene in adult mice and examine the relationship between Treg cells and intestinal bacterial communities. Deletion of Foxp3 reduced the relative abundance of Clostridia, suggesting that Treg cells have a role in maintaining Treg-inducing microbes. Additionally, the knockout increased the levels of fecal immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin-coated bacteria. This increase was due to immunoglobulin leakage into the gut lumen as a result of loss of mucosal integrity, which is dependent on the gut microbiota. Our findings suggest that Treg cell dysfunction leads to gut dysbiosis via aberrant antibody binding to the intestinal microbes.

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Protective effect of the tunneling nanotube-TNFAIP2/M-sec system on podocyte autophagy in diabetic nephropathy.

Barutta F, Bellini S, Kimura S, Hase K, Corbetta B, Corbelli A, Fiordaliso F, Bruno S, Biancone L, Barreca A, Papotti MG, Hirsh E, Martini M, Gambino R, Durazzo M, Ohno H, Gruden G

Autophagy 19 ( 2 ) 505 - 524 2023.02

Research paper (scientific journal), Accepted, ISSN 1554-8627

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GP2-expressing cells: a new guardian with divergent functions in the intestine, eyes, and nose.

Toshihiko Iwanaga, Shunsuke Kimura

Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan) 44 ( 6 ) 233 - 243 2023

Accepted

GP (glycoprotein)-2, originally identified as a predominant membranous component of pancreatic acinar cells, has attracted the interest of researchers in mucosal immunology for its role as a functional molecule specific for antigen-sampling cells in the intestinal Peyer's patches. GP2 is involved in the detection of pathological bacteria and is also histologically useful for the identification of the M cell lineage and their differentiation in lymphoid tissues. Subsequent immunohistochemistry for GP2 has revealed a broad distribution of M cells and related cells in the nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissues, conjunctiva, tear duct, and airway. Especially, GP2 cells in the paranasal sinuses and tear duct have been identified as novel types of epithelial cells. The systematic administration of RANKL can induce extra-M cells in conventional epithelia of body. The production and release of GP2 by conjunctival goblet cells and several mucous glands suggests leading roles for mucous cells in protection, including the entrapment of microorganisms for infections. The ocular surface and conjunctiva are connected to the lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal duct, and further nasal cavity, comprising another canal that passes through the body. The broad distribution of GP2-expressingcells may indicate its function as a new guardian in the intestine, eyes, and nose, all of which are exposed to external milieu.

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Spi-B alleviates food allergy by securing mucosal barrier and immune tolerance in the intestine

Narumi Ishihara, Yutaka Nakamura, Kyosuke Yakabe, Seiga Komiyama, Yumiko Fujimura, Tsuneyasu Kaisho, Shunsuke Kimura, Koji Hase

Frontiers in Allergy (Frontiers Media SA) 3 996657 2022.10

Corresponding author, Accepted, ISSN 2673-6101

Food allergy is a type I allergic reaction induced by mast cells and is mainly activated by allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E. Spi-B is an E26-transformation-specific (Ets) family transcription factor essential for the differentiation and functional maturation of several immune cell subsets, including mast cells. However, the possible involvement of Spi-B in food allergy remains unclear. In this study, we found that Spi-B-deficient mice were highly susceptible to food allergy to ovalbumin (OVA), as indicated by the exacerbation of diarrhea and elevation of serum IgE levels. These pathological changes were associated with enhanced mast cell infiltration into the intestinal lamina propria. Activation of mast cells in the intestinal mucosa was observed in Spib−/− mice, even under physiological conditions. Accordingly, Spi-B deficiency increased the translocation of fluorescently labeled dextran from the lumen to the serum, suggesting increased intestinal permeability in Spib−/− mice. Moreover, Spib−/− mice showed defects in oral tolerance induction to OVA. These data illustrate that Spi-B suppresses the development of food allergies by controlling the activation of intestinal mast cells and by inducing immune tolerance to food allergens.

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Inhibition of RANKL and Sema4D improves residual ridge resorption in mice.

Meri Hisamoto, Shunsuke Kimura, Kai Iwata, Toshihiko Iwanaga, Atsuro Yokoyama

Scientific reports 12 ( 1 ) 4094 - 4094 2022.03

Corresponding author, Accepted

Residual ridge resorption (RRR) is a chronic and progressive bone resorption following tooth loss. It causes deterioration of the oral environments and leads to the pathogenesis of various systemic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms and risk factors for RRR progression are still unclear and controversial. In this study, we developed a tooth extraction model using mice for analyzing long-term morphological and gene expression changes in the alveolar bone. We further applied ovariectomy to this model to elucidate the effects of osteoporosis on RRR progression. As a result, the alveolar bone loss was biphasic and consisted of rapid loss in the early stages and subsequently slow and sustained bone loss over a long period. Histological analysis indicated that ovariectomy prolonged the activation of osteoclasts in the alveolar bone. Furthermore, the expressions of Tnfsf11 and Sema4d kept increasing for a long time in OVX mice. Administration of neutralization antibodies for receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) effectively suppressed RRR. Similarly, inhibition of Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) also improved alveolar bone loss. This study demonstrated that reduced ovarian function may be a risk factor for RRR and that RANKL and Sema4D suppression are potential treatments.

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精巣マクロファージに発現するUSP2による精子運動機能の制御

北村浩, 橋本茉由子, 木村俊介, 渡邊敬文, 高橋英機, 永野昌志

日本病態生理学会雑誌 (日本病態生理学会) 30 ( 2 ) 34 - 34 2021.12

Intestinal immunity: to be, or not to be, induced? That is the question.

Daisuke Takahashi, Shunsuke Kimura, Koji Hase

International immunology 33 ( 12 ) 755 - 759 2021.08

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted, ISSN 0953-8178

The intestinal immune system maintains intestinal homeostasis in collaboration with diverse immune cell subsets residing at the epithelial layer, lamina propria and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Bacterial components and their metabolites are essential for the establishment of the gut immune system. In addition, nutritional signals contribute to maintaining the mucosal immune response. Specialized epithelial microfold (M) cells in GALT facilitate immune surveillance on the mucosal surface by actively taking up external antigens to transport them into the lymphoid follicles. Because hyperplasia of M cells causes an excessive immune response in GALT, there is a self-regulatory mechanism to control the development of M cells appropriately. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms of mucosal immune regulation and their biological importance.

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Symbiotic polyamine metabolism regulates epithelial proliferation and macrophage differentiation in the colon.

Atsuo Nakamura, Shin Kurihara, Daisuke Takahashi, Wakana Ohashi, Yutaka Nakamura, Shunsuke Kimura, Masayoshi Onuki, Aiko Kume, Yukiko Sasazawa, Yukihiro Furusawa, Yuuki Obata, Shinji Fukuda, Shinji Saiki, Mitsuharu Matsumoto, Koji Hase

Nature communications 12 ( 1 ) 2105 - 2105 2021.04

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted

Intestinal microbiota-derived metabolites have biological importance for the host. Polyamines, such as putrescine and spermidine, are produced by the intestinal microbiota and regulate multiple biological processes. Increased colonic luminal polyamines promote longevity in mice. However, no direct evidence has shown that microbial polyamines are incorporated into host cells to regulate cellular responses. Here, we show that microbial polyamines reinforce colonic epithelial proliferation and regulate macrophage differentiation. Colonisation by wild-type, but not polyamine biosynthesis-deficient, Escherichia coli in germ-free mice raises intracellular polyamine levels in colonocytes, accelerating epithelial renewal. Commensal bacterium-derived putrescine increases the abundance of anti-inflammatory macrophages in the colon. The bacterial polyamines ameliorate symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. These effects mainly result from enhanced hypusination of eukaryotic initiation translation factor. We conclude that bacterial putrescine functions as a substrate for symbiotic metabolism and is further absorbed and metabolised by the host, thus helping maintain mucosal homoeostasis in the intestine.

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Protective Role of the M-Sec-Tunneling Nanotube System in Podocytes.

Federica Barutta, Shunsuke Kimura, Koji Hase, Stefania Bellini, Beatrice Corbetta, Alessandro Corbelli, Fabio Fiordaliso, Antonella Barreca, Mauro Giulio Papotti, Gian Marco Ghiggeri, Gennaro Salvidio, Dario Roccatello, Valentina Audrito, Silvia Deaglio, Roberto Gambino, Stefania Bruno, Giovanni Camussi, Miriam Martini, Emilio Hirsch, Marilena Durazzo, Hiroshi Ohno, Gabriella Gruden

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN 32 ( 5 ) 1114 - 1130 2021.03

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted, ISSN 1046-6673

BACKGROUND: Podocyte dysfunction and loss are major determinants in the development of proteinuria. FSGS is one of the most common causes of proteinuria, but the mechanisms leading to podocyte injury or conferring protection against FSGS remain poorly understood. The cytosolic protein M-Sec has been involved in the formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), membrane channels that transiently connect cells and allow intercellular organelle transfer. Whether podocytes express M-Sec is unknown and the potential relevance of the M-Sec-TNT system in FSGS has not been explored. METHODS: We studied the role of the M-Sec-TNT system in cultured podocytes exposed to Adriamycin and in BALB/c M-Sec knockout mice. We also assessed M-Sec expression in both kidney biopsies from patients with FSGS and in experimental FSGS (Adriamycin-induced nephropathy). RESULTS: Podocytes can form TNTs in a M-Sec-dependent manner. Consistent with the notion that the M-Sec-TNT system is cytoprotective, podocytes overexpressed M-Sec in both human and experimental FSGS. Moreover, M-Sec deletion resulted in podocyte injury, with mitochondrial abnormalities and development of progressive FSGS. In vitro, M-Sec deletion abolished TNT-mediated mitochondria transfer between podocytes and altered mitochondrial bioenergetics. Re-expression of M-Sec reestablishes TNT formation and mitochondria exchange, rescued mitochondrial function, and partially reverted podocyte injury. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the M-Sec-TNT system plays an important protective role in the glomeruli by rescuing podocytes via mitochondrial horizontal transfer. M-Sec may represent a promising therapeutic target in FSGS, and evidence that podocytes can be rescued via TNT-mediated horizontal transfer may open new avenues of research.

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Involvement of BMP and Wnt Signals Leadingto Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colon Adenocarcinoma with Heterotopic Ossification.

Naho Katono, Masumi Tsuda, Jun Suzuka, Yoshitaka Oda, Lei Wang, Zen-Ichi Tanei, Mishie Tanino, Takanobu Ohata, Eisuke Nagabuchi, Yusuke Ishida, Shunsuke Kimura, Toshihiko Iwanaga, Shinya Tanaka

Annals of clinical and laboratory science 51 ( 2 ) 271 - 276 2021.03

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted, ISSN 0091-7370

Here we present the case of a 73-year-old male with rectal adenocarcinoma with heterotopic ossification (HO). Cancer-associated HO in the digestive system is rare. Thus, the precise mechanism and clinicopathological significance of HO have not yet been defined. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of HO, we analyzed the expression levels of signaling molecules related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that lead to ossification in the tumor cells discriminating the ossified area (HO-area) and non-ossified area (non-HO area). Expression levels of BMP4 were elevated in both areas, whereas BMP2 was specifically increased in the HO-area by qPCR. EMT-related molecules such as Snail and Slug were especially higher in the HO-area. By immunohistochemistry, the expression of Smad4, nuclear staining of β-catenin, and the phosphorylated form of GSK-3β were detectable in both areas, and GSK-3β was highly phosphorylated in the HO-area. The tumor growth rate was extremely high, with the Ki-67 labeling index at 90%. In the HO-area, osteoblasts with alkaline phosphatase expression were distributed surrounding the tumor cells. This is the first demonstration of the involvement of EMT in HO of colon cancer through BMP/SMAD and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways, which are especially prominent in the HO-area leading to the osteogenic property.

Characterization of M Cells in Tear Duct-Associated Lymphoid Tissue of Mice: A Potential Role in Immunosurveillance on the Ocular Surface

Yuki Oya, Shunsuke Kimura, Yutaka Nakamura, Narumi Ishihara, Shunsuke Takano, Ryo Morita, Mayumi Endo, Koji Hase

Frontiers in Immunology (Frontiers Media SA) 12 779709 - 779709 2021

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted

The ocular mucosal tissues are exposed to potentially harmful foreign antigens in the air and tear fluid. The tear duct-associated lymphoid tissue (TALT) may contribute to immune surveillance in the eye region. Follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of TALTs is classified as stratified squamous epithelium and consists of squamous epithelial cells arranged in layers on the basement membrane. In contrast, most mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue is covered by a monolayer of epithelium containing microfold (M) cells. Therefore, antigen uptake and the presence of M cells in TALT are not fully understood. The present study found that a small population of FAE cells in the TALT expressed intestinal M-cell markers, namely Sox8, Tnfaip2, GP2, and OPG. This cell population was identified as functional M cells because of their uptake capacity of luminal nanoparticles. In addition, RANKL, which is essential for M-cell differentiation, was expressed by stroma-like cells at the subepithelial region and its receptor RANK by the FAE in the TALT. The administration of RANKL markedly increased the number of Sox8+ M cells. In contrast, deficiency in OPG, an endogenous inhibitor of RANKL, increased the number of M cells in the TALT. These data demonstrate that the RANKL-RANK axis is essential for M-cell differentiation in the TALT. Furthermore, immunization <italic>via</italic> eye drops elicited the production of antigen-specific antibodies in tears, which was enhanced by RANKL administration. Thus, TALT M cells play an important role in the immunosurveillance of the eye region.

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Protective Role of the M-Sec–Tunneling Nanotube System in Podocytes

F Barutta, S Kimura, K Hase, S Bellini, B Corbetta, A Corbelli, F Fiordaliso, ...

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 32 (5), 1114-1130 2021

Macrophage ubiquitin-specific protease 2 contributes to motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, and in vitro fertilization activity of mouse sperm

M Hashimoto, S Kimura, C Kanno, Y Yanagawa, T Watanabe, J Okabe, ...

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 1-20 78 ( 6 ) 2929 - 2948 2020.10

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted, ISSN 1420-682X

Macrophages are innate immune cells that contribute to classical immune functions and tissue homeostasis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2) controls cytokine production in macrophages, but its organ-specific roles are still unknown. In this study, we generated myeloid-selective Usp2 knockout (msUsp2KO) mice and specifically explored the roles of testicular macrophage-derived USP2 in reproduction. The msUsp2KO mice exhibited normal macrophage characteristics in various tissues. In the testis, macrophage Usp2 deficiency negligibly affected testicular macrophage subpopulations, spermatogenesis, and testicular organogenesis. However, frozen-thawed sperm derived from msUsp2KO mice exhibited reduced motility, capacitation, and hyperactivation. In addition, macrophage Usp2 ablation led to a decrease in the sperm population exhibiting high intracellular pH, calcium influx, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Interrupted pronuclei formation in eggs was observed when using frozen-thawed sperm from msUsp2KO mice for in vitro fertilization. Administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), whose expression was decreased in testicular macrophages derived from msUsp2KO mice, restored mitochondrial membrane potential and total sperm motility. Our observations demonstrate a distinct role of the deubiquitinating enzyme in organ-specific macrophages that directly affect sperm function.

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Osteoprotegerin-dependent M-cell self-regulation balances gut infection and immunity.

Kimura S, Nakamura Y, Kobayashi N, Shiroguchi K, Kawakami E, Mutoh M, Takahashi-Iwanaga H, Yamada T, Hisamoto M, Nakamura M, Udagawa N, Sato S, Kaisho T, Iwanaga T, and Hase K

Nature communications 11 ( 1 ) 234 - 234 2020.01

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted

Microfold cells (M cells) are responsible for antigen uptake to initiate immune responses in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is essential for M cell differentiation. Follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) covers the GALT and is continuously exposed to RANKL from stromal cells underneath the FAE, yet only a subset of FAE cells undergoes differentiation into M cells. Here, we show that M cells express osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble inhibitor of RANKL, which suppresses the differentiation of adjacent FAE cells into M cells. Notably, OPG deficiency increases M cell number in the GALT and enhances commensal bacterium-specific immunoglobulin production, resulting in the amelioration of disease symptoms in mice with experimental colitis. By contrast, OPG-deficient mice are highly susceptible to Salmonella infection. Thus, OPG-dependent self-regulation of M cell differentiation is essential for the balance between the infectious risk and the ability to perform immunosurveillance at the mucosal surface.

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The Roles of Peyer's Patches and Microfold Cells in the Gut Immune System: Relevance to Autoimmune Diseases.

Kobayashi N, Takahashi D, Takano S, Kimura S and Hase K.

Front. Immunol 10 2345 2019.10

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted

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Mast cells play role in wound healing through the ZnT2/GPR39/IL-6 axis.

Nishida K, Hasegawa A, Yamasaki S, Uchida R, Ohashi W, Kurashima Y, Kunisawa J, Kimura S, Iwanaga T, Watarai H, Hase K, Ogura H, Nakayama M, Kashiwakura JI, Okayama Y, Kubo M, Ohara O, Kiyono H, Koseki H, Murakami M, Hirano T

Scientific reports 9 ( 1 ) 10842 - 10842 2019.07

Research paper (scientific journal), Joint Work, Accepted

Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient and its deficiency causes immunodeficiency and skin disorders. Various cells including mast cells release Zn-containing granules when activated; however, the biological role of the released Zn is currently unclear. Here we report our findings that Zn transporter ZnT2 is required for the release of Zn from mast cells. In addition, we found that Zn and mast cells induce IL-6 production from inflammatory cells such as skin fibroblasts and promote wound healing, a process that involves inflammation. Zn induces the production of a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 through signaling pathways mediated by the Zn receptor GPR39. Consistent with these findings, wound healing was impaired in mice lacking IL-6 or GPR39. Thus, our results show that Zn and mast cells play a critical role in wound healing through activation of the GPR39/IL-6 signaling axis.

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