Regulation of K+ channels may enhance wound healing in the skin

Abstract

In the process of promoting wound healing, epidermal growth factor (EGF) activates protein kinase C, protein tyrosine kinase and ERK MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase). The activation of these mediators in signal pathways can regulate the operation of K+ channels. In addition, the K+ channel is involved with cell migration and proliferation, both of which are requisite for wound healing. Recent studies, although not conducted on skin wounds have found that the K+ channel is associated with wound heating and that wound healing can be promoted by regulating the K+ channels. Therefore, the authors hypothesize that heating of skin wounds could be promoted by regulating K+ channel distribution in skin keratinocytes or fibroblasts. We plan to conduct a study of the promotion of skin wound heating using K+ channel regulators. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.