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Cell cycle-dependent interleukin 1 gene expression by cultured glomerular mesangial cells
1Medical Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Glomerular mesangial cells (MC) produce IL-1 when proliferating, a process stimulated by growth factors. This IL-1 production may drive cell proliferation in kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glomerulonephritis involves kidney cell proliferation and sclerosis.
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) produced by mesangial cells (MC) may contribute to these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of IL-1 synthesis in human MC.
- To understand the role of growth factors in MC-derived IL-1 production.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis to detect IL-1 alpha and beta mRNA in MC.
- Immune precipitation to characterize IL-1 precursor and mature forms.
- Stimulation of MC with serum, platelet-derived growth factor, and epidermal growth factor.
Main Results:
- Proliferating MC express IL-1 alpha and beta mRNA; nonproliferating MC do not.
- Serum, platelet-derived growth factor, and epidermal growth factor rapidly induce IL-1 mRNA in synchronized MC.
- MC synthesize IL-1 as a 33-kD precursor, with extracellular IL-1 identified as IL-1 beta (17 kD).
Conclusions:
- MC IL-1 gene expression and protein synthesis are regulated by cellular proliferation status.
- Growth factor-induced MC IL-1 production may contribute to cellular proliferation in glomerulonephritis.
