Albumin induces CD44 expression in glomerular parietal epithelial cells by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway.

De novo expression of CD44 in glomerular parietal epithelial cells (PECs) leads to a prosclerotic and migratory PEC phenotype in glomerulosclerosis. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying CD44 expression by activated PECs remain largely unknown. This study was performed to examine the mediators responsible for CD44 induction in glomerular PECs in association with diabetes.

Endocytosis of Albumin Induces Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 by Activating the ERK Signaling Pathway in Renal Tubule Epithelial Cells.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is dysregulated in chronic kidney diseases including diabetic nephropathy. This study was performed to examine the expression of MMP-9 in renal tubule epithelial cells (TECs) under diabetic conditions and its regulatory mechanisms. We characterized MMP-9 protein in diabetic animals and primary cultured rat TECs exposed to exogenous albumin and high glucose.