Mesangial cell-derived extracellular matrix protein 1 is essential for maintaining mesangial matrix homeostasis and glomerular architecture

Mesangial cells (MCs) and mesangial matrix (MM) constitute the mesangium, which is essential for maintaining normal glomerular structure and function. The mechanisms by which MCs regulate MM dynamics remain poorly understood. This study investigates the role of MC-derived extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) in this process. To elucidate the mechanism, we collected kidney samples from WT and Ecm1-KO mice at each time points (1, 2, and 4 weeks), with n = 3 per group and performed RNA-seq, aiming to capture the dynamic transcriptomic changes underlying the loss of ECM1.