Mesangial Cell Markers

Overview

Mesangial Cells Overview

Mesangial cells (MC) are mesenchymal cells that support the glomerular capillary tuft and participate in hemodynamic control. MC contraction induces capillary constriction and reduction of glomerular filtration surface area. Mesangial cells contact the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), macula densa, and glomerular endothelial cells. A small population of MC are phagocytic monocyte-like cells which clear apoptotic cells and circulating immune complexes. Antibody and immune complex deposition in the glomerulus is a dominant feature of lupus and IgA nephropathy. In diabetic nephropathy, MC become hypertrophic, upregulate proinflammatory molecules and ECM components, and induce GBM thickening. They overproduce TGF-beta, VEGF, and CTGF, leading to glomerular sclerosis. Mesangial cell-derived PAF induces neutrophil adhesion as well as antibody and complement-mediated glomerular injury.