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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Murine Model of Wound Healing
Published on: May 28, 2013
Mast cells play role in wound healing through the ZnT2/GPR39/IL-6 axis
Keigo Nishida1,2, Aiko Hasegawa3,4, Satoru Yamasaki3,5
1Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, 3500-3 Minamitamagaki-cho, Suzuka, Mie, 513-8670, Japan. knishida@suzuka-u.ac.jp.
Abstract:
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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