| abstract |
The present invention provides a DNA expressed at high frequencynin mesangial cells and a protein (Meg-4) encoded by this DNA. Thesensubstances are useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells andndetecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the abovenprotein would be helpful for clarification of the functions ofnmesangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes ofndiseases relating to mesangial cells. This protein is expectedlynapplicable to the treatment, diagnosis, and such of diseases relatingnto mesangial cells. |