Stimulation of human skin fibroblast migration by the neuropeptide secretoneurin

Fibroblasts, besides other cells, are called upon when tissue sustains an immunological, mechanical or chemical injury. Fibroblasts migrate into the site of inflammation, proliferate and synthesize and remodel a new matrix. These cellular responses are mediated locally by the release of neuropeptides from sensory nerve endings. Secretoneurin is a newly discovered 33-amino acid neuropeptide derived from secretogranin II (chromogranin C), which is found in sensory afferent C-fibers. We show here that secretoneurin triggers the selective migration of human skin fibroblasts in vitro, but does not stimulate their proliferation. The attraction of human skin fibroblasts toward secretoneurin could be blocked by specific anti-secretoneurin antibodies and is mediated by the C-terminal fragment of the peptide. The observed activity of this sensory neuropeptide is the first description of a specific effect on human skin fibroblasts and suggests a role for secretoneurin in inflammation and wound healing.