The present invention provides a DNA expressed at high frequency in mesangial cells and a protein (Meg-4) encoded by this DNA. These substances are useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells and detecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the above protein would be helpful for clarification of the functions of mesangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes of diseases relating to mesangial cells. This protein is expectedly applicable to the treatment, diagnosis, and such of diseases relating to mesangial cells.
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