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Acquisition of the monocyte/macrophage phenotype in human mesangial cells
S Watanabe1, A Yoshimura, K Inui
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
Abstract:
The function of intrinsic glomerular cells in active glomerular inflammation may be similar to that of monocytes/macrophages. Mesangial cells have phagocytic properties and release numerous mediators. In this study we examined whether human mesangial cells (hMCs) express a monocyte/macrophage phenotype in active glomerular inflammation. We report that the proto-oncogene c-fms, the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor, which is a characteristic gene of monocytes/macrophages, is expressed in hMCs. Normal unmanipulated hMCs express weak c-fms mRNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and its expression increases after stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The expression of c-fms was also demonstrated by flow cytometry with a specific polyclonal antibody. By immunohistochemistry, c-fms was prominently detected in acute glomerulonephritis, IgA nephritis, and lupus nephritis. These results indicate that hMCs express c-fms in active glomerular inflammation and are consistent with mesangial cells acquiring some macrophage-like characteristics in diseased states.
Insights
Human mesangial cells (hMCs) in active glomerular inflammation express the c-fms gene, a macrophage marker. This suggests mesangial cells may adopt macrophage-like functions during kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intrinsic glomerular cells, like mesangial cells, may play roles similar to monocytes/macrophages during inflammation.
- Mesangial cells possess phagocytic capabilities and release various mediators, hinting at immune cell-like functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human mesangial cells (hMCs) exhibit a monocyte/macrophage phenotype in active glomerular inflammation.
- To determine the expression of the c-fms gene, a key macrophage marker, in hMCs.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect c-fms mRNA.
- Flow cytometry using a specific polyclonal antibody to confirm c-fms expression.
- Immunohistochemistry to localize c-fms in kidney tissue samples.
Main Results:
- Normal hMCs showed weak c-fms mRNA expression, which increased upon stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and epidermal growth factor (EGF).
- Flow cytometry confirmed c-fms expression in hMCs.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed prominent c-fms detection in cases of acute glomerulonephritis, IgA nephritis, and lupus nephritis.
Conclusions:
- Human mesangial cells express the c-fms gene during active glomerular inflammation.
- These findings support the concept that mesangial cells acquire macrophage-like characteristics in diseased kidney states.