RhoA Activation in Mesangial Cells by Mechanical Strain Depends on Caveolae and Caveolin-1 Interaction

Increased intraglomerular pressure is an important hemodynamic determinant of glomerulosclerosis and can be modeled in vitro by exposing mesangial cells to cyclic mechanical strain. A previous study showed that RhoA mediates strain-induced production of fibronectin; herein is investigated the role of caveolae in RhoA activation. Cyclodextrin and filipin, agents that disrupt caveolae, abrogated strain-induced RhoA activation in mesangial cells. …