Worms, Genetics and Healthy Kidneys : the Candidate PKD-2 Localization Factor, papl, May Play a Role in Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) causes cysts to form within the kidneys, leading ultimately to renal failure. Prior research in our lab demonstrated that expression of the papl gene is downregulated in a zebrafish model of cystic kidney disease. We asked whether the papl gene has a direct effect on proper localization of PKD2, one of the proteins known to be involved in cyst formation, and whether the papl gene influences cilia structure. Neither the human ortholog (ACP7) nor the zebrafish ortholog (acp7/papl-1) has been associated with a specific function or organelle. papl encodes an acid phosphatase with putative hydrolase activity and a metal ion binding domain. Acid phosphatases have been associated with several human disorders, including prostate cancer. Zebrafish papl ESTs have been identified in the kidney, olfactory rosettes, and reproductive system.