Extracellular matrix protein: gene expression and synthesis in cultured rat mesangial cells

Production of extracellular matrix (ECM) by mesangial cells (MCs) contributes to progressive glomerulosclerosis. Our previous immunocytochemical studies on ECM production by MCs [1] were extended by examining the gene expression and protein synthesis using Northern blotting and ELISA. ELISA demonstrated that fetal calf serum (FCS) stimulated the synthesis of collagen I (CI), III (CIII) and IV (CIV), and laminin (LM). At and after confluence, the amounts of CIII, CIV and LM per DNA amount began to decrease, whereas that of CI did not. Northern blotting indicated that the mRNA expressions for CIV and LM were transiently increased by FCS. The mRNA expressions for CI and CIII decreased until confluence and then returned to the initial levels. These results suggest that FCS and cellular confluence affected the synthesis of ECM at both the level of gene expression and protein synthesis. The mRNA expressions for CIV and LM paralleled the protein synthesis and appeared tightly regulated. CI and CIII synthesis and mRNA expression were not coordinate and were not regulated in the same manner as the basement membrane matrix components.