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 cul tured human mesangial cells and the proliferative effect of HGF on the se cells. RNAse protection analysis using a c-mes riboprobe showed c-m et to be expressed and further that this expression was unaffected by the glucose concentration or osmolality of the media. Immunofluorescen ce studies performed using anti-HGF or anti-c-met antibodies clearly s howed that both proteins are localised to human mesangial cells. Proli feration of human mesangial cells after 24-h treatment with HGF was al so examined. HGF 10 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml stimulated (3)-H-Thymidine inc orporation 1.35-fold (P = 0.001) and 1.6-fold (P < 0.00001) respective ly in cells made quiescent for 24 h. A similar dose-dependent stimulat ion of proliferation was observed in cells made quiescent for 48 h. Fi nally, using RNAse protection analysis we have shown that HGF (10 ng/m l, 100 ng/ml) induces the expression of c-met in these cells in a dose -dependant manner. Together these results indicate for the first time a potential autocrine role for HGF in the human mesangium. (C) 1998 El sevier Science B.V.