Proliferation Of Human Mesangial Cells Research Articles

Adiponectin Inhibits PDGF-induced Mesangial Cell Proliferation: Regulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin-mediated Survival Pathway by Adenosine 5-Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase

An aberrant proliferation of mesangial cells (MCs) is one of the more important features of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, has been associated with type 2 diabetes, a known cause of DN. Recent studies have suggested that adiponectin has a protective effect on the kidney. To elucidate the potential protective mechanism of adiponectin on kidney, we investigated the effects of adiponectin on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced cell proliferation and intracellular signaling pathways in cultured Human MCs (HMCs). PDGF-induced HMC proliferation was significantly inhibited by the co-treatment of adiponectin. Adiponectin alone had no effect on HMC proliferation. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and 40 S ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) were activated by PDGF stimulation in HMCs. PDGF-induced mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylations were significantly attenuated by the co-treatment of adiponectin in HMC. Adiponectin alone had no effects on PDGF-receptor autophosphorylation by PDGF. We also confirmed that the inhibitory effect of adiponectin on PDGF-induced HMC proliferation was significantly suppressed by compound C, an adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor. From these findings, it is implied that adiponectin could attenuate renal dysfunction associated with MC disorders through AMPK-mTOR signal pathway.

IFN-γ suppresses the high glucose-induced increase in TGF-β1 and CTGF synthesis in mesangial cells

Mesangial cells are the main source of renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a key cytokine that may play a potential therapeutic role in reducing fibrosis. Here, we focus on the effects of IFN-γ on human mesangial cells (HMCs) treated with high glucose. This study shows that IFN-γ phosphorylates STAT1, suppresses HMC proliferation, and down-regulates mRNA and protein levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in HMCs treated with high glucose. The regulation of P-STAT1 could change HMC proliferation and the expression of fibrotic cytokines TGF-β1 and CTGF in HMCs. These data indicate that IFN-γ could activate STAT1 to suppress the increase in TGF-β1 and CTGF synthesis in HMCs induced by high glucose. This paper may lead to new therapeutic treatments of DN.

Transactivation of RON receptor tyrosine kinase by interaction with PDGF receptor β during steady-state growth of human mesangial cells

Although it is well known that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) causes mesangial cell proliferation (presumably contributing to progression of glomerular disease), targeted inhibition of the PDGF receptor system has shown only limited efficacy against glomerular diseases. To examine whether this discrepancy is due to the involvement of other pathways, we used phosphorylated receptor tyrosine kinase arrays and found that RON (recepteur d'origine nantais) was phosphorylated while the PDGF receptor was dephosphorylated (thus inactive) in human mesangial cells (HMCs) at the time of cell cycle entry. Further, RON remained active during steady-state growth. Activation of RON was independent of its canonical ligand, macrophage-stimulating protein, but was mediated by transactivation from the PDGF-engaged PDGF receptor. Following stimulation with PDGF we found that the two receptors physically interacted. Knockdown of RON by siRNA increased the number of apoptotic cells without affecting the rate of DNA synthesis, suggesting that RON has anti-apoptotic functions. Immunohistochemical analysis found phosphorylated RON in glomerular lesions of patients with IgA nephropathy but not those with minimal change nephrotic syndrome, a disease not associated with mesangial proliferation. These results suggest that RON is involved in mesangial cell proliferation under both physiological and pathological conditions, and may be a relevant target for therapeutic intervention.

The Protective Effects of Green Tea Extract against L-arginine Toxicity to Cultured Human Mesangial Cells

The aim of this study was to investigate whether green tea extract (GTE) has the protective effects on excess L-arginine induced toxicity in human mesangial cell. Human mesangial cells treated with L-arginine were cultured on Dulbecco's modified eagle medium in the presence and absence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor and GTE. The cell proliferation was determined by 3 (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphengltetrqzolium bromide, a tetrazole assay. The iNOS mRNA and its protein expression were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was measured by NO enzyme-linced immuno sorbent assay kit. L-arginine significantly inhibited the proliferation of human mesangial cells, and induced the secretion of NO to the media. NO production by L-arginine was significantly suppressed by GTE and iNOS inhibitor (p<0.01). The expression level of iNOS mRNA and its protein that was significantly increased by L-arginine was decreased by iNOS inhibitor but not by GTE. GTE protected the mesangial cells from the NO-mediated cytotoxicity by scavenging the NO rather than by iNOS gene expression. Therefore, we conclude that GTE has some protective effect for renal cells against oxidative injury possibly by polyphenols contained in GTE.

BMP-7 protects mesangial cells from injury by polymeric IgA

Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) is a potential therapeutic agent for acute and chronic renal diseases. Here we found that addition of polymeric IgA, isolated from patients with IgA nephropathy, increased the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and fibronectin in cultured human mesangial cells, effects blunted by BMP-7. When mesangial cells were cultured with both polymeric IgA and BMP-7 there was an increase in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). The activation of NF kappaB and TNF-alpha synthesis induced by polymeric IgA or TNF-alpha were downregulated by BMP-7 or rosiglitazone. BMP-7 inhibited TNF-alpha release from polymeric IgA-stimulated mesangial cells by activation of PPAR-gamma but suppressed TGF-beta release by mechanisms independent of PPAR-gamma. The expression of inhibitory Smad6 and 7 was increased whereas the expression of active Smad2 and 3 was reduced in these mesangial cells by BMP-7. Our study shows that BMP-7 ameliorates IgA nephropathy-derived polymeric IgA-induced TNF-alpha and TGF-beta synthesis in human mesangial cells through multiple mechanisms involving inhibitory Smads and PPAR-gamma.

Concentrations of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine in serum and urine and its expression in kidney tissues of patients with IgA nephropathy

Objective:To investigate the concentrations of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)in the serum and urine of patients with IgA nephropathy and its expression in the kidney tissues.Methods:The concentrations of SPARC, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β),and interleukin 6(IL-6)in the serum and urine were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The contents of'SPARC protein in the culture medium of human mesangial cell (HMC)and human renal tubular epithelial cell(HKC),which had been treated with IL-6,were determined by ELISA.The ex- pression and distribution of SPARC in IgA nephropathy and normal kidney tissues were observed by immunohistochemistry as- say.Results:The concentrations of SPARC in serum and urine of IgA nephropathy patients were higher than those of the normal control subjects([2.43±1.22]μg/ml vs[0.69±0.21]μg/ml,[7.73±2.81]μg/ml vs[1.17±1.03]μg/ml,P0.01).The serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 in IgA nephropathy group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P0.05);the urinary levels of TNF-αand IL-6 in IgA nephropathy group were also higher than those in the controls(P0.01). SPARC protein secreted by HKC was higher than that by HMC(P0.01).SPARC was weakly positive in normal distal cortical tubules.SPARC protein expression in tubular epithelial cells of IgA nephropathy patients was obviously higher than that of the normal controls.Condusion:The secretion of SPARC by renal tubular epithelial cells is increased in patients with IgA nephropa- thy,which results in elevation of serum SPARC and may have a protective feedback inhibitory effect on HMC proliferation.

Modulation of human mesangial cell behaviour by extracellular matrix components--the possible role of interstitial type III collagen.

We have investigated the effects of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components on the behaviour of human mesangial cells (HMC) in a gel culture system using a modified MTT assay method. When cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane, Matrigel (M gel), HMC aggregated and formed isolated colonies initially, then extended an array of cell processes to form a dendritic network structure and proliferated very slowly as the culture period progressed. On type I collagen gel (CI gel), however, HMC developed elongated bipolar shapes, migrated into the gel, and showed rapid cell growth. Next, separate ECM components, such as type III and IV collagens, laminin, heparin and heparan sulphate, were incorporated into CI gel and HMC proliferation was assessed. Although attachment of HMC to each gel did not differ significantly, HMC proliferation was inhibited markedly on gels containing type III collagen, heparin and heparan sulphate; type IV collagen suppressed HMC proliferation slightly; and laminin had no significant effect. These data suggest that interstitial type I and III collagens, which are often observed in diseased glomeruli, as well as the basement membrane components, may play important roles in the regulation of HMC proliferation under pathophysiological conditions in vivo. We conclude that HMC behaviour is affected by the surrounding ECM constituents, which appear to function as a refined modulator.

Mitogenic effect of platelet-derived growth factor in human glomerular mesangial cells: modulation and/or suppression by inflammatory cytokines.

Glomerular mesangial cell proliferation constitutes a frequent pathological alteration in glomerulonephritis. In addition to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) have been proposed to have mitogenic activity for mesangial cells. A model was therefore established in which human mesangial cells (HMC) could be reversibly growth-arrested for prolonged times in serum-free medium without suffering irreversible functional or morphological changes. In this model 24 h stimulation with rhPDGF-BB induced an increase of the 3H-thymidine incorporation of 1190 +/- 280 (50 ng/ml) % +/- s.e.m. of medium control. Less growth induction was noted after stimulation with 50 ng/ml rhPDGF-AB (925 +/- 126%) or rhPDGF-AA (575 +/- 24%). Northern analysis confirmed the presence of both alpha- and beta-PDGF receptor subunit mRNA in growth-arrested HMCs. rhIL-1 alpha, rhIL-1 beta, rhTNF-alpha or rhIL-6 at various doses and times, despite increasing cellular PGE2-release, did not induce significant proliferation in HMCs. Inhibition of PGE2-release did not change the lack of mitogenicity of IL-1, TNF-alpha or IL-6. IL-6 did not alter the mitogenic response of the cells towards PDGF. In contrast, both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta (5 ng/ml) induced a delay but not augmentation of the PDGF growth response. This delay could be reversed by the concomitant addition of recombinant IL-6 or of anti-IL-1 antibody but not by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. High doses of TNF-alpha suppressed PDGF-induced proliferation. These data suggest that in growth-arrested HMCs inflammatory cytokines have a growth-modulating or -suppressive rather than (co-)mitogenic effect while PDGF-BB and -AB and to a lesser degree PDGF-AA are potent mitogens. The findings support the notion that the control of HMC proliferation in pathological situations depends on a complex network of interacting stimuli.

Effects of keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleucine-calcium on proliferation of human mesangial cells and its mechanism study

Objective To study the effects of keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleucine-calcium on(human mesangial cells)HMCs. Method HMCs were stimulated by keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleucine-calcium. The AT1R and TGF-β1 were detected. MTr method was used to measure the proliferation of HMCs, and cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry. Results The expression of AT1R and TGF-β1was increased in the experiment groups compared with negative and DMSO control groups. Cell cycle G1 attest and cell apoptosis were observed in the experiment groups. Conclusions 10mM keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleueine-calcium have multiple effects on HMCs in vitro, which not only increased the expression of AT1R,but also the expression of TGF-β1.Furthermore,keto-valine-calcium and keto-isoleucine-calcium can induce cell cycle G1 arrest and cell apoptosis.to

The role of CXCL16 and its processing metalloproteinases ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the proliferation and migration of human mesangial cells

In this study, we analyzed the regulation and functional role of CXCL16 in human mesangial cells (hMCs). We can show, that CXCL16 is constitutively expressed in hMCs and is further up-regulated by cytokine mix (IFNγ, TNFα, and IL1β). The constitutive release of CXCL16 from hMCs was rapidly induced by the stimulation with cytokines. We identified ADAM10 and ADAM17 as being responsible for the cytokine-induced shedding of CXCL16. Notably, targeting ADAM10 and ADAM17 in hMCs decreased the chemotaxis of T-Jurkat cells, whereas the inhibition of CXCL16 had no significant influence. This suggests that both proteases are important players in the recruitment of immune cells into the glomerulus, but other substrates than CXCL16 are involved in this process. Finally, we could show that the inhibition of CXCL16, ADAM10, and ADAM17 led to a strong reduction of cell proliferation and migration of hMCs. This finding could be important to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat mesangial proliferative kidney diseases.

Convenient Synthetic Method for 3‐(3‐Substituted Indol‐2‐yl)quinoxalin‐2‐ones as VEGF Inhibitor.

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Lysophosphatidylcholine stimulates EGF receptor activation and mesangial cell proliferation: Regulatory role of Src and PKC

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a major component of oxidized-low density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), modulates various pathobiological processes involved in vascular and glomerular diseases. Although several studies have shown increased plasma concentrations of ox-LDL as well as LPC in patients with renal disease, the role of LPC in mesangial cell proliferation and associated signaling mechanisms are not clearly understood. In this study, we have shown that LPC induced the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as well as the p42/44 MAP kinases. LPC activated Src-kinase and protein kinase C (PKC), and both Src kinase inhibitor PP-2 and PKC inhibitor inhibited the activation of EGFR by LPC. LPC (5–25 μM) stimulated human mesangial cell proliferation by 4–5 fold. Preincubation of mesangial cells with the Src inhibitor (PP-2), or PKC inhibitor (bisindolylmaleimide GF109203-X), or EGF receptor kinase inhibitor (AG1478), or MEK inhibitor (PD98059) significantly inhibited LPC-mediated mesangial cell proliferation. The data suggest that LPC, by activating Src and PKC signaling pathways, stimulates EGF receptor transactivation and down-stream MAP kinase signaling resulting in mesangial hypercellularity, which is a characteristic feature of diverse renal diseases.

Complement 3 is involved in changing the phenotype of human glomerular mesangial cells

Complement activation contributes to tissue injury in various forms of glomerulopathy and is characterized by deposition of complement components, which accelerates the progression of chronic renal damage. We recently reported that complement 3 (C3), a critical component of the complement system, is associated with the synthetic phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. It is possible that C3 stimulates mesangial cells to assume the synthetic phenotype to, in turn, induce glomerular injury and sclerosis. We investigated the role of C3 in the growth and phenotype of mesangial cells. Cultured human mesangial cells (HMCs) expressed C3 mRNA and protein, and levels were increased in response to IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. HMCs also expressed C3a receptor mRNA and protein. Exogenous C3a stimulated DNA synthesis in HMCs in a dose-dependent manner. C3a decreased expression h-caldesmon mRNA, a marker of the contractile phenotype, and increased the expression of osteopontin, matrix Gla, and collagen type1 alpha1 (collagen IV) mRNAs, which are markers of the synthetic phenotype. C3a decreased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in HMCs. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting C3 reduced the DNA synthesis and proliferation of HMCs, increased expression of h-caldesmon mRNA, and decreased expression of osteopontin, matrix Gla, and collagen IV mRNAs in HMCs. These results indicate that C3 causes HMCs to convert to the synthetic phenotype and stimulates growth of mesangial cells, suggesting that C3 may play an important role in phenotypic regulation of mesangial cells in renal diseases.

Convenient Synthetic Method for 3-(3-Substituted indol-2-yl)quinoxalin-2-ones as VEGF Inhibitor

It has already been reported that 3-(indol-2-yl)quinoxalin-2-ones have a potent inhibitory effect on the growth of tumor cells based on anti-angiogenesis activity. We have also carried out a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of 3-(indol-2-yl)quinoxalin-2-ones, which showed a potent inhibitory activity toward the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced proliferation of human mesangial cells and the VEGF-induced auto-phosphorylation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Moreover, one of these compounds has a potent medicinal effect based on anti-angiogenic action, by oral administration (Chart 1, 9). However, since the existing synthetic methods for the preparation of 3-(indol-2-yl)quinoxalin-2-ones consist of multiple steps some of which require strict anhydrous conditions, a convenient and simple synthetic method in place of the existing method is desirable. As a result of the investigations into the synthetic procedures, 3-(3-substituted indol-2-yl)quinoxalin-2-ones can be easily prepared by the condensation of 3-substituted indoles with quinoxalin-2-ones in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Herein, we report the examination of these reaction conditions and the application of this new synthetic method to the synthesis of the derivatives as VEGF inhibitors.

Chemically Modified Heparin Inhibits Mesangial Cell Proliferation Induced by High Glucose through Interfering with the Cell Cycle

The aims of this study were to investigate whether chemically modified non-anticoagulation heparin derivate (Periodate-Oxidized/Borohydride-Reduced modified heparin (OR-heparin)) can inhibit high glucose-induced human mesangial cell proliferation and its influence on the cell cycle. OR-heparin with low anticoagulation activity inhibited high glucose-induced early proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. OR-heparin released high glucose-arrested mesangial cells at G(1) phase, and dose-dependently increased S phase. OR-heparin also inhibited high glucose-activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, induced p27(Kip1) expression, and suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that OR-heparin releases high glucose-arrested cells on G(1) phase and inhibits high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation through blocking ERK1/2 phosphorylation and delaying S phase progression, which may be in correlation with OR-heparin suppressing ROS accumulation.

The role of geranylgeranylated proteins in human mesangial cell proliferation

The Rho family of guanine 5'-triphosphatases (GTPases) play a key role in regulating cell proliferation, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and glomerular hemodynamics. The post-translational prenylation of RhoGTPases by the addition of a geranylgeranyl moiety is critical for cellular localization and signaling activity. This study investigates the effects of (i) inhibiting geranylgeranylation (GG) in human mesangial cell (HMC) proliferation and apoptosis, using GGTI 298, a specific inhibitor of GG and (ii) lovastatin, an HMG-coacetyl A-reductase inhibitor, which depletes the availability of prenylation substrates. HMC proliferation was assessed using an assay of viable cell number and measuring bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Hoechst 33342 staining was used to determine apoptosis. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (Erk)1/2 and Akt activation were analysed by Western blotting. Rho activation was determined using the Rhotekin pull-down assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed to study the effects on the actin cytoskeleton and RhoA localization. GGTI 298 (10-20 muM) and lovastatin (5-10 muM) potently inhibited platelet-derived growth factor and serum-stimulated HMC proliferation and induced apoptosis. These effects of lovastatin were attenuated by co-incubation with geranylgeranylpyrophosphate. C3 exoenzyme, a clostridial toxin that specifically targets Rho also inhibited BrdU incorporation and promoted apoptosis. GGTI 298 increased cytosolic expression of RhoA, prevented RhoA activation, and inhibited the activation of Erk1/2 and the survival protein Akt. GGTI 298, lovastatin, and C3 exoenzyme inhibit HMC proliferation and promote apoptosis. Inhibiting GG increases cytosolic RhoA expression, disrupts the actin cytoskeleton, and inhibits RhoA activation. These results suggest that targeting geranylgeranylated proteins with statins or GGTI 298 is a promising therapeutic strategy in human mesangioproliferative renal disease.

Biological responses to PDGF-BB versus PDGF-DD in human mesangial cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and PDGF-DD mediate mesangial cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. While PDGF-BB is a ligand for the PDGF alpha- and beta-receptor chains, PDGF-DD binds more selectively to the beta-chain, suggesting potential differences in the biological activities. Signal transduction and regulation of gene expression induced by PDGF-BB and -DD were compared in primary human mesangial cells (HMCs), which expressed PDGF alpha- and beta-receptor subunits. The growth factor concentrations used were chosen based on their equipotency in inducing HMCs proliferation and binding to the betabeta-receptor. Both growth factors, albeit at different concentrations induced phosphorylation and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2. In addition, PDGFs led to the phosphorylation and activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3. HMCs proliferation induced by either PDGF-BB or -DD could be blocked by signal transduction inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase-, Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT-, or phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase pathways. Using a gene chip array and subsequent verification by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction, we found that in HMC genes for matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) and MMP-14 and, to a low extent, cytochrome B5 and cathepsin L were exclusively regulated by PDGF-BB, whereas no exclusive gene regulation was detected by PDGF-DD. However, at the protein level, both MMP-13 and -14 were equally induced by PDGF-BB and -DD. PDGF-BB and -DD effect similar biological responses in HMCs albeit at different potencies. Rare apparently differential gene regulation did not result in different protein expression, suggesting that in HMCs both PDGFs exert their biological activity almost exclusively via the PDGF beta-receptor.

Function of TRPC1/TRPC4 complex in mesangial cells

Store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOC) in glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) mediates Ca2+ entry in response to circulating or locally produced vasoactive peptides. Recent evidence suggests that members of the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) protein family may constitute SOC. However, expression of TRPC subtypes and formation of TRPC heteromultimeric complexes appear to be cell-type specific. Our laboratory has recently characterized TRPC expression in human MCs (HMCs), which includes TRPC1, 3, 4, and 6 at detectable protein levels. In the present study, we show that TRPC1 associates with TRPC4 by co-immunoprecipitation and by fluorescent immunocytochemistry. RNA interference (RNAi) of TRPC1 expression, or inclusion of a TRPC1-specific antibody in the patch pipette significantly depressed thapsigargin (TG) -induced Ca2+ currents as measured by patch clamp. Accordingly, fluorescent ratiometry showed that over-expression of TRPC1 enhanced TG-induced capacitative Ca2+ entry, while RNAi blockade of TRPC1 reduced this response. RNAi blockade of TRPC4 had a similar effect on TG-induced Ca2+ entry as TRPC1, while concurrent RNAi of TRPC1 and TRPC4 also had a comparable effect. Furthermore, TRPC1 knock-down reduced HMC proliferation and contraction. These data suggest that TRPC1 and TRPC4 form a functional complex to mediate store-operated Ca2+ entry in HMCs. (Supported by AHA, SDG and NKF).

N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline inhibits DNA synthesis in human mesangial cells via up-regulation of cell cycle modulators

N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) was originally reported as a natural inhibitor of the proliferation of stem cells. To elucidate whether Ac-SDKP inhibits the proliferation of human mesangial cells, we examined the effect of Ac-SDKP on fetal calf serum (FCS)- or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced DNA synthesis and a cell proliferation. Ac-SDKP inhibited PDGF-BB- or FCS-induced DNA synthesis without cellular toxicity. The protein expression of p53 and p27 kip1 was significantly increased by Ac-SDKP. Ac-SDKP also up-regulated the PDGF-BB-stimulated expression of p21 cip1 and suppressed PDGF-BB-induced cyclin D 1 expression. In p53 knock-out human mesangial cells made with small interference RNA, the protein expression of p21 cip1 and p27 kip1 was also decreased and the inhibitory effect of Ac-SDKP on mesangial proliferation was completely abolished. Ac-SDKP increased the stability of p53 protein as demonstrated by pulse-chase experiment. These results suggest that p53 is the key mediator of Ac-SDKP-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis through the up-regulation of cell cycle modulators, highlighting a potential effect of Ac-SDKP on various progressive renal diseases.

Distinct functions for Ras GTPases in the control of proliferation and apoptosis in mouse and human mesangial cells

In previous work, we have demonstrated that Ras GTPases regulate proliferation in a range of human renal cells. The present work compares human and mouse mesangial cell (HMC and MMC) responses to specific knockdown of Ras genes with antisense oligonucleotides (AS-oligos), and examines the role of the p21 (cip1) and p27 (kip1) cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in these responses in mouse cells. HMC and MMC were lipofectin transfected with ras-targeted AS-oligo at 200-400 nM for 18 h followed by growth of cells in 20% serum for 18-72 h. Cell proliferation was assessed with an MTS assay and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake. Apoptosis was quantified using nuclear stain with Hoechst 33342 dye. In MMC, Ha-ras AS-oligo caused an increase in apoptosis from <2% to 10-15% of cells after 18 h in serum (P<0.01). Control, Ki-ras and N-ras AS-oligos had minimal effects on apoptosis. BrdU uptake studies showed that BrdU+ve MMC were increased by 20-40% (P<0.05) after Ha-ras AS-oligo at 24 h; other ras AS-oligos were inactive. HMC number was reduced by 40-80% (P<0.01) at 48-72 h by both Ha-ras and Ki-ras AS-oligos. These actions were associated with reductions in BrdU+ve cells. In HMC, the ras AS-oligos did not induce apoptosis. p21(-,-) MMC showed exaggerated apoptotic responses to Ha-Ras AS-oligo. In mouse cells, Ha-Ras expression appears necessary to prevent apoptotic cell death; Ras expression does not appear necessary for cells to progress through the cell cycle. In human cells, Ras does not appear necessary to prevent apoptosis but Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras appear to be required for cell cycle progression.