part of part of develops from mesenchymal stem cell mesangial cell ZFA:0009283 FMA:70972 BTO:0000853 A cell type that encapsulates the capillaries and venules in the kidney. This cell secretes mesangial matrix that provides the structural support for the capillaries. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000650 CALOHA:TS-0617 MESH:D050527 Do all of these cells really develop from some mesenchymal stem cell? Mesangial cells are specialized cells that primarily reside in the middle layer, or mesangium, of the renal glomerulus within the kidney. The primary function of mesangial cells is to maintain the structural stability and function of the glomerular capillary tuft. They achieve this by providing structural support to the capillary loops, controlling the surface area available for filtration in response to physiological alterations in blood pressure, and removing trapped material and proteins from the basement membrane, which otherwise could cause damage. Moreover, mesangial cells regulate the glomerular blood flow by contracting and relaxing, similar to smooth muscle cells. They also synthesize extracellular matrix components, including collagen and fibronectin, that form the structural framework of the glomerulus. Beyond their structural and regulatory roles, mesangial cells are involved in several immunologic functions. They express a variety of receptors that can recognize immune complexes and subsequently mediate an inflammatory reaction. Their role in the immune response includes the production of a variety of cytokines and growth factors, which make them a key cellular component in the progression of several renal diseases. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) kidney mesangial cell kidney cortical cell renal interstitial pericyte mesangium