Evidence for a functional hepatocyte growth factor receptor in human mesangial cells.
In this study we have investigated both the expression of c-met in cultured human mesangial cells and the proliferative effect of HGF on these cells. RNAse protection analysis using a c-met riboprobe showed c-met to be expressed and further that this expression was unaffected by the glucose concentration or osmolality of the media. Immunofluorescence studies performed using anti-HGF or anti-c-met antibodies clearly showed that both proteins are localised to human mesangial cells. Proliferation of human mesangial cells after 24-h treatment with HGF was also examined. HGF 10 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml stimulated 3-H-Thymidine incorporation 1.35-fold (P = 0.001) and 1.6-fold (P<0.00001) respectively in cells made quiescent for 24 h. A similar dose-dependent stimulation of proliferation was observed in cells made quiescent for 48 h. Finally, using RNAse protection analysis we have shown that HGF (10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml) induces the expression of c-met in these cells in a dose-dependent manner. Together these results indicate for the first time a potential autocrine role for HGF in the human mesangium.
Department of Endocrinology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, S.A. Australia. nkallinc@medicine.adelaide.edu.au
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Kallincos
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Pollard
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Couper
D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015870:Gene Expression; D005920:Glomerular Mesangium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D019859:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor; D019859:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met