EGFR-PLCγ1 signaling mediates high glucose-induced PKCβ1-Akt activation and collagen I upregulation in mesangial cells

Abstract

Glomerular matrix accumulation is a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy. We have recently shown that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation mediates high glucose (HG)-induced collagen I upregulation through PI3K-PKCβ1-Akt signaling in mesangial cells (MC). Phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) interacts with activated growth factor receptors and activates classic PKC isoforms. We thus studied its role in HG-induced collagen I upregulation in MC. Primary rat MC were treated with HG (30 mM) or mannitol as osmotic control. Protein kinase activation was assessed by Western blotting and collagen I upregulation by Northern blotting. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin. HG treatment fo..