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Coordination of mesangial cell contraction by gap junction--mediated intercellular Ca(2+) wave
Jian Yao1, Tetsuo Morioka, Bing Li
1Department of Cellular Physiology, Institute of Nephrology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|July 26, 2002
Summary
Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) synchronizes glomerular mesangial cell (MC) contraction. This study reveals GJIC
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Physiology
- Renal physiology
Background:
- Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is vital for multicellular coordination.
- Glomerular mesangial cells (MC) possess abundant gap junctions (GJ), but their function remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GJIC in intercellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling and MC contraction.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying GJIC-mediated cellular coordination in MCs.
Main Methods:
- Immunochemical staining for Cx43 protein and Lucifer yellow transfer for GJIC confirmation.
- Mechanical stimulation of single MCs to induce Ca2+ waves, assessing effects of GJ inhibitors (heptanol) and signaling modulators (ATP, apyrase, U73122).
- Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) injection to assess its effect on MC contraction and GJ inhibitors' impact on serum-induced gel contraction.
Main Results:
- Functional GJIC and Cx43 expression were confirmed in MCs.
- Mechanical stimulation triggered Ca2+ waves dependent on GJIC and potentially mediated by inositol trisphosphate (IP3).
- GJIC inhibition attenuated serum-induced MC contraction in collagen gels.
Conclusions:
- GJIC plays a critical role in synchronizing glomerular mesangial cell behaviors.
- Intercellular Ca2+ signaling through GJIC contributes to coordinated MC contraction.