Specific tissue distribution of megsin, a novel serpin, in the glomerulus and its up-regulation in IgA nephropathy

R Inagi, T Miyata, D Suzuki, M Toyoda, T Wada… - Biochemical and …, 2001 - Elsevier
R Inagi, T Miyata, D Suzuki, M Toyoda, T Wada, Y Ueda, Y Izuhara, H Sakai, M Nangaku
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2001Elsevier
Mesangial cells play critical roles in maintaining a structure and function of the glomerulus.
We previously cloned a novel mesangium-predominant gene, megsin, a new serine
protease inhibitor. To clarify localization and roles of megsin protein, we raised polyclonal
antibodies to megsin. By immunohistochemistry, megsin protein was specifically identified in
the mesangial area. The amount of megsin protein was increased in glomeruli of patients
with IgA nephropathy than in those of normal individuals and of patients with minimal …
Mesangial cells play critical roles in maintaining a structure and function of the glomerulus. We previously cloned a novel mesangium-predominant gene, megsin, a new serine protease inhibitor. To clarify localization and roles of megsin protein, we raised polyclonal antibodies to megsin. By immunohistochemistry, megsin protein was specifically identified in the mesangial area. The amount of megsin protein was increased in glomeruli of patients with IgA nephropathy than in those of normal individuals and of patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome or membranous nephropathy, suggesting a pathophysiological role of megsin as a functional modulator of mesangial functions in situ.
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