Zebrafish, C. elegans and Human Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

The focus of this project is to identify the downstream effects of mutations in the causative genes (PKD1 and PKD2) of polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). ADPKD is responsible for 5% of all endstage renal disease and is characterized by large, fluid-filled cysts forming in kidney tubules and collecting ducts that disrupt the normal functioning of the kidneys. It is currently thought that primary cilia (1) and different signaling pathways may play a major role in the progression of ADPKD.