How kidney support cells may fuel cyst growth in ADPKD
Pathogenic reciprocal interplay between cyst epithelium and myofibroblasts in polycystic kidney disease
This project looks at whether support cells in the kidney (myofibroblasts) help cysts grow in adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235910 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models that mimic ADPKD and tissue-specific genetic changes to lower or alter myofibroblast function and watch how cysts respond. They will test whether a protein called HIF1α and a cellular recycling process called autophagy in myofibroblasts cause these cells to release nutrients that feed cyst cells. Lab studies will also use human ADPKD cyst epithelial cells to see whether metabolites like glutamine and lactate promote cyst growth. The team combines transgenic mice, cell experiments, and metabolic measurements to trace how signals move between cyst cells and support cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, particularly those willing to provide tissue or samples for research, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without ADPKD or those already on long-term dialysis are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this work could point to new ways to slow or stop cyst growth by targeting myofibroblast signals or metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies support metabolic cross-talk between cells in ADPKD, but targeting myofibroblast autophagy and HIF1α as drivers of cyst growth is a relatively new idea.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Reena — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rao, Reena
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.