“ CGRP sensory neurons promote tissue healing via immune cells'”
Researchers from Monash University and Osaka University have unveiled agroundbreaking discovery regarding the pivotal role of sensory neurons in orchestrating
tissue repair and regeneration, offering significant promise for patients with poorly
healing tissues and diabetes.
Collaborating with Professor Shizuo Akira (Host Defense, WPI-IFReC, OsakaUniversity), a research team led by Associate Professor Mikaël Martino from Monash
University published a significant advancement in regenerative medicine in Nature.
Their research sheds light on the intricate interplay between the nervous and immune
systems, highlighting the critical involvement of sensory neurons in the repair andregeneration of tissues.
While nociceptive sensory neurons are primarily associated with pain sensation, theircontribution to tissue regeneration has been unclear until now. Through their research,
the team demonstrated that the removal of a specific subtype of sensory neurons
containing the Nav1.8 ion channel significantly impairs skin wound repair and muscle
regeneration following injury.
Furthermore, they revealed that the endings of these sensory neurons extend into
injured skin and muscle tissues, communicating with immune cells through theneuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) during the healing process. This
neuropeptide plays a crucial role in influencing immune cells to aid tissue healing afterinjury.
In preclinical models, such as mice lacking sensory neurons and diabetic mice withdamaged peripheral nerve cells, the administration of an engineered version of CGRP,
designed to enhance its efficacy, accelerated wound healing and promoted muscle
regeneration.
These findings hold great promise for regenerative medicine, particularly in addressing
poorly healing tissues commonly observed in conditions such as diabetes. Looking
ahead, the team aims to develop innovative therapies targeting the underlying causesof impaired tissue repair by harnessing neuro-immune interactions.
1###The article, “CGRP sensory neurons promote tissue healing via neutrophils andmacrophages,” was published in Nature at DOI:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07237-y
Summary:
Researchers from Monash University and Osaka University have unveiled agroundbreaking discovery regarding the pivotal role of sensory neurons in orchestrating
tissue repair and regeneration, offering significant promise for patients with poorly
healing tissues and diabetes.

Fig. 1 Graphical summary of the study

License: Original content（プレスリリース用に作成されたオリジナルの図）Credit must be given to the creator (Mikaël M. Martino).

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Fig. 2 Dorsal root ganglia expressing CGRP after muscle injury
License: Original content（プレスリリース用に作成されたオリジナルの図）Credit must be given to the creator (Mikaël M. Martino).

Fig. 3 Sensory neurons growing into injured muscle
License: Original content（プレスリリース用に作成されたオリジナルの図）Credit must be given to the creator (Mikaël M. Martino).

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Title: CGRP sensory neurons promote tissue healing via neutrophils andmacrophages
Journal: Nature (March 27, 2024 online)
Authors: Yen-Zhen Lu, Bhavana Nayer, Shailendra Kumar Singh, Yasmin K.
Alshoubaki, Elle Yuan, Anthony J. Park, Kenta Maruyama, Shizuo Akira, MikaëlM. Martino
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07237-y
About Osaka University
Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities
of Japan and is now one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities with abroad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive forinnovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental
research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts.
Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around theworld, being named Japan's most innovative university in 2015 (Reuters 2015Top 100) and one of the most innovative institutions in the world in 2017
(Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017). Now, Osaka
University is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation
selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development ofsociety, and social transformation.
Website: https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en

About Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University
IFReC was established by the support of the World Premier International
Research Center Initiative (WPI) in 2007. IFReC aims to overcome immunerelated diseases by clarifying the whole picture of the immune system, and has
promoted globally competitive fundamental research with excellent researchers
from overseas.
Website: https://www.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/

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