Investigating the function of the Schwann cells in diabetic wound healing

Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disorder that occurs due to lack of insulin & hyperglycemia. My focus is relating two major complications of T2DM; wound healing defects and diabetic neuropathy. Cutaneous nerves extend throughout the dermis and epidermis and control both the functional and reparative capacity of the skin. Nerve axons are reduced in the skin of a diabetic and further decreases in wounds. From previous work, our lab demonstrated, as apposed to the nerve axons, the associated Schwann cells located around wound are important, undergoes extensive reprogramming process and migrates towards the wound bed releasing bioactive molecules, which contribute to wound closure. However, their role is still unknown in diabetic wound healing. To investigate this, we are using two rodent models of diabetes— genetically modified db/db diabetic mice lacking leptin receptor and a reporter strain fed with high-fat diet to induce diabetes. A 6mm punch biopsy wound will be induced in the back skin and healing will be tracked at four time points—Day:5,10,15 & 21(n=5). The immunohistochemical analysis of S100B, P75NTR and neurofilaments will determine the numbers of Schwann cells and axons. As an experimental therapy of diabetic wound healing, we will treat the mice with growth factors known to be released from Schwann cells. This could lead a novel therapeutic intervention in T2DM treatment.