Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) induces unique effects in the cytoskeleton of cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells

Resident glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) have complex cytoskeletal organizations that maintain functional and structural integrity. The ability of cells to replicate, coordinate movement, change shape, and interact with contiguous cells or extracellular matrix depends on cytoskeletal organization. MCs synthesize insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), express IGF-I receptors, and respond to IGF-I with increased proliferation. We noted that IGF-I treatment of mesangial cells was associated with a change in morphology. Therefore, these studies were undertaken to define specific IGF-I-mediated changes in cytoskeletal protein organization. Rat MCs were propagated from birth in culture without supplemental insulin. Quiescent, subconfluent cultures were treated with IGF-I (100 nM) for 1 hr. Rearrangements in f-actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, beta-actin, vimentin, and vinculin were seen by fluorescence microscopy. As the cytoskeleton rearranged, alpha-smooth muscle actin dissociated from the f-actin bundles and beta-actin became polymerized under the leading lamellar edge. Ultrastructural changes were consistent with increased membrane turnover and metabolic activity. The normally sessile mesangial cell was induced by IGF-I to express a wound-healing phenotype characterized by movement and increased pinocytosis. These changes are different from those induced by insulin and have important implications for mesangial cell function.