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Interaction of MAPK and 12-lipoxygenase pathways in growth and matrix protein expression in mesangial cells

Marpadga A Reddy1, Sharon G Adler, Young-Sook Kim

  • 1Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte California 91010, USA.

Insights

Angiotensin II (ANG II) activates the lipoxygenase (LO) pathway and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in renal mesangial cells, promoting cellular growth and fibronectin expression, potentially contributing to kidney complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Renal Physiology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • The lipoxygenase (LO) pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) influence cellular growth and Angiotensin II (ANG II) effects in vascular smooth muscle cells.
  • The specific roles of these pathways in renal mesangial cells (MC) remain less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the involvement of the LO pathway and p38 MAPK in ANG II-induced cellular responses within rat MC.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking ANG II, LO products, and cellular matrix synthesis in MC.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of rat MC with ANG II and its inhibitors.
  • Measurement of 12-LO mRNA expression and 12(S)-HETE production.
  • Assessment of [(3)H]leucine incorporation and fibronectin (FN) expression.
  • Analysis of p38 MAPK and CREB activation using specific inhibitors and a ribozyme.

Main Results:

  • ANG II significantly increased 12-LO mRNA and 12(S)-HETE production in rat MC.
  • Both ANG II and 12(S)-HETE induced cellular hypertrophy and fibronectin expression.
  • ANG II and 12(S)-HETE activated p38 MAPK and CREB; inhibition blocked protein synthesis and FN expression.
  • A ribozyme targeting 12-LO mRNA attenuated ANG II-induced FN mRNA.

Conclusions:

  • The LO pathway and p38 MAPK activation mediate ANG II-induced cellular growth and fibronectin expression in rat MC.
  • p38 MAPK-dependent CREB activation is a key mechanism in ANG II and LO product-induced matrix synthesis.
  • These findings suggest a novel interaction between LO and p38 MAPK in MC matrix synthesis relevant to renal complications.

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