ADHESION MOLECULES IN THE GLOMERULAR MESANGIUM

Experimental evidence indicates that extensive ''cross-talk'' exists b etween glomerular cells, extracellular matrix molecules and soluble me diator substances affecting the proliferative and secretory phenotype of glomerular mesangial cells. Both matrix and cytokines regulate mesa ngial cell behavior in vitro and in vivo after binding to specific cel l surface receptors. it appears as if the concerted action of insolubl e and soluble ligands on mesangial cells involves a reciprocal regulat ion of matrix molecules and cytokines as well as expression and affini ty of their respective receptors. Elucidation of the potential biologi c and clinical relevance of cell-matrix interactions in the glomerular mesangium represents a challenging goal in current kidney research. T his brief review summarizes recent investigations concerning regulatio n of expression and function of adhesion molecules and matrix receptor s in the mesangium. In addition to results from cell culture studies, descriptive findings on expression and regulation of adhesion molecule s and their potential role for altered mesangial cell behavior in glom erular disease is considered.