The role of the mesangium in glomerular function

Abstract

When discussing glomerular function, one cell type is often left out, the mesangial cell (MC), probably since it is not a part of the filtration barrier per se. The MCs are instead found between the glomerular capillaries, embedded in their mesangial matrix. They are in direct contact with the endothelial cells and in close contact with the podocytes and together they form the glomerulus. The MCs can produce and react to a multitude of growth factors, cytokines, and other signaling molecules and are in the perfect position to be a central hub for crosstalk communication between the cells in the glomerulus. In certain glomerular diseases, for example, in diabetic kidney disease or IgA nephropathy, the MCs become activated resulting in mesangial expansion. The expansion is normally due to matrix expansion in combination with either proliferation or hypertrophy. With time, this expansion can lead to fibrosis and decreased glomerular function. In addition, signs of complement activation are often seen in biopsies from patients with glomerular disease affecting the mesangium. This review aims to give a better understanding of the MCs in health and disease and their role in glomerular crosstalk and inflammation.

The role of long non‐coding RNAs in the development of diabetic kidney disease and the involved clinical application

“…MCs have the function of maintaining glomerular structure. 30 During the progression of diabetes, mesangial matrix components such as laminin (LN), fibronectin (FN), and collagen-IV (col-IV) accumulate, leading to mesangial expansion, which is pathologically crucial in DKD glomerulosclerosis. 31 Mesangial expansion during DKD formation is mediated using an intricate process.…”

Kidney membrane proteins and epithelial transport

“…2 In this special series on membrane proteins, epithelial transport, and kidney physiology, we share a number of high-quality reviews that serve as a valuable resource for researchers to offer comprehensive insights into the latest developments in these fields. These include pertinent reviews on the role of the mesangium in glomerular function, 3 the importance of mTOR signaling in regulating renal ion transport, 4 an extensive overview of uric acid transport and the pharmacological targeting of these transporters, 5 a delineation of the effects of parathyroid hormone on calcium and phosphate handling in the kidney, 6 and how SGLT2 inhibitors are able to protect the kidney. 7 With the outlook of more reviews on the way, the series is open for submissions and suggestions for reviews.…”

Recent advances in kidney research

“…Mesangial cells, having been proposed to both remove pathogens from the glomerulus and deposit extraglomerular material, contribute to renal cellular immune responses and glomerular cell-to-cell signaling, 18 are notably important mediators of glomerular crosstalk. 19 Felten et al 20 looked at circadian rhythm disruption in ICU patients with a focus on the role of individual organs, and the potential of rhythm-stabilizing interventions to enhance and accelerate clinical recovery.…”

“…Firstly, 17 hypothesizes that the complex regulatory network around the regulation of glomerular microcirculation contributes to renal functional reserve and is affected in physiological processes such as renal function during pregnancy as well as developing diabetes mellitus and acute kidney injury. Mesangial cells, having been proposed to both remove pathogens from the glomerulus and deposit extraglomerular material, contribute to renal cellular immune responses and glomerular cell‐to‐cell signaling, 18 are notably important mediators of glomerular crosstalk 19 . Felten et al 20 .…”