Interleukin-6 stimulates gene expression of extracellular matrix components in bovine mesangial cells
Author Information
Author(s): C. Zoja, A. Benigni, G. Piccinini, M. Figliuzzi, L. Longaretti, G. Remuzzi
Primary Institution: Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research
Hypothesis
Does interleukin-6 (IL-6) affect gene expression of extracellular matrix components in bovine mesangial cells?
Conclusion
IL-6 increases gene expression of collagen III, fibronectin, and laminin in bovine mesangial cells over time.
Supporting Evidence
- IL-6 increased collagen III mRNA levels by 1.5- and 2.5-fold after 24 and 48 hours, respectively.
- Fibronectin mRNA levels increased by 1.5-fold after 24 hours and 2.5-fold after 48 hours of IL-6 treatment.
- Laminin mRNA expression was stimulated by IL-6 only after 48 hours, showing a 2.5-fold increase.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance called IL-6 helps certain cells in the kidney make more of the materials that form their structure, which could lead to kidney problems.
Methodology
Bovine mesangial cells were cultured and treated with IL-6, then gene expression of collagen III, fibronectin, and laminin was measured using Northern blot analysis.
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