Related Experiment Videos

Extracellular matrix oxidation modulates survival, NF-kappaB translocation, and MAPK activity in mesangial cells

Sergei Kochlatyi1, Nora Gibbons, Joseph Mattana

  • 1Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.

Insights

Kidney injury can oxidize extracellular matrix, increasing mesangial cell apoptosis. This oxidation impairs cell survival signaling, affecting transcription factors and MAPK pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Inflammatory kidney injury can lead to oxidation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins.
  • Oxidized ECM may impair glomerular mesangial cell adhesion and intracellular signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how ECM oxidation influences mesangial cell apoptosis.
  • To determine the effect of ECM oxidation on the activity of Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) family members (ERK-1,2 and JNK).

Main Methods:

  • Mesangial cells were cultured on oxidized and unmodified ECM.
  • Apoptosis was quantified.
  • Western blot analysis was used to assess levels of phosphorylated ERK-1,2, JNK, and NF-kappaB p65 subunit translocation.

Main Results:

  • Exposure to oxidized ECM significantly increased mesangial cell apoptosis.
  • Phosphorylated ERK-1,2 levels decreased, while phosphorylated JNK levels increased on oxidized ECM.
  • Nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit was reduced in cells cultured on oxidized ECM.

Conclusions:

  • ECM oxidation negatively impacts mesangial cell survival.
  • Altered signaling pathways, including decreased pERK-1,2, increased pJNK, and diminished NF-kappaB activity, are associated with ECM oxidation in kidney injury.

Related Concept Videos