Extracellular matrix as a determinant of signaling responses in glomerularepithelial cells

Glomerular epithelial cell proliferation occurs in renal diseases such as m embranous nephropathy and crescentic glomerulonephritis. To understand the growth factors responsible for the proliferative response and inflammation of these cells, we have examined the effects of extracellular matrix on the regulation of glomerular epithelial cell proliferation and phospholipid tu rnover, as well as the pathophysiological consequences of this intricate pr ocess.