Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
04:46
Optimizing Isolation and Purification of Murine Glomerular Mesangial Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
Lipoprotein lipase is expressed by glomerular mesangial cells
Scott A Irvine1, John Martin, Timothy R Hughes
1Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3US, UK.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|September 6, 2005
Summary
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in blood vessels contributes to atherosclerosis. This study reveals that mesangial cells in the kidney also express LPL, potentially impacting kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in vasculature is crucial for atherogenesis, promoting lipid accumulation in foam cells.
- Hyperlipidemia accelerates glomerular diseases, and exogenous LPL enhances lipoprotein binding to mesangial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of endogenous lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in glomerular cells for the first time.
- To determine if mesangial cells and/or epithelial cells express LPL.
- To analyze the activity and regulation of the LPL gene promoter in mesangial cells.
Main Methods:
- Investigated endogenous LPL expression in glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells.
- Utilized a minimal LPL gene promoter construct to assess transcriptional activity.
- Examined the effect of interferon-gamma on LPL promoter activity in mesangial cells.
Main Results:
- Mesangial cells, but not epithelial cells, were found to express lipoprotein lipase (LPL).
- The minimal LPL gene promoter demonstrated activity specifically in mesangial cells.
- Interferon-gamma significantly inhibited the activity of the LPL gene promoter in mesangial cells.
Conclusions:
- Mesangial cells express endogenous lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a novel finding with implications for kidney disease.
- LPL expression in mesangial cells is regulated at the transcriptional level, as shown by promoter activity.
- Interferon-gamma suppresses LPL gene expression in mesangial cells, suggesting a regulatory mechanism in kidney pathophysiology.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Renal Corpuscle
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...