Stress-responsive signal transduction mechanisms in glomerular cells

Mechanical stresses appear to play a key role in the progression of glomeru lar diseases that are characterized by increased transcapillary hydraulic p ressure. Glomerular mesangial cells proliferate and produce extracellular m atrix proteins in vivo in such diseases. Mesangial cell responses to pulsat ile mechanical stimuli have been studied extensively in vitro during the pa st few years. Mechanical signals are sensed at the cell membrane and propag ated through the cytoplasm, and result in the activation of transcription f actors that elicit production of prosclerotic cytokines and matrix proteins , and cell proliferation. Endothelial cells are exposed to shear and pulsat ile stress and show some similar responses in other vascular beds. Curr Opi n Nephrol Hypertens 9:49-55. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.