Human Renal Glomerular Endothelial Cells

Human Renal Glomerular Endothelial Cells (HRGEC) are a specialized microvascular cell type with functions in the regulation of glomerular ultrafiltration. They form the inner part of the filtration barrier and play roles in pathophysiological processes in the glomerulum. HRGEC constitutively produce bio-active molecules, which can be amplified by inflammatory and thrombotic molecules. Endothelial cell injury due to a severe glomerular lesion can inhibit angiogenesis and result in sclerosis at the injured site. HRGEC injury affects mesangial and epithelial cells and leads to the progression of renal disease. The biological properties of HRGEC remain largely unknown because of difficulties associated with the culturing, cloning and propagation of these cells. HRGEC in culture provide a useful in vitro model for studying the relationship between endothelal cells and renal disease. They are also useful tools to stablish in vitro disease models for High Throughput and High Content Screening.