MESANGIAL CELL-MATRIX INTERACTIONS IN GLOMERULAR INFLAMMATION

Specific interactions between cells and components of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) or underlying basement membrane have been s hown to modulate cell behaviour: in culluro and in vivo. There is evid ence that extensive 'cross-talk' occurs between glomerular mesangial c ells (MCs), ECM molecules, and soluble mediator substances affecting t he proliferative and synthetic-secretory phenotype of MCs. This is lik ely to be relevant For the behaviour of MCs during embryonic developme nt, disease processes of glomeruli, and tissue repair The potential bi ologic and clinical relevance of cell-matrix interactions in the glome rulus are discussed in this brief review of selected aspects of recent investigations concerning the mesangial matrix and its interactions w ith MCs.