How polycystin proteins and cilia release tiny cellular messages linked to ADPKD
Polycystins, cilia, and extracellular vesicles in C. elegans
Researchers are studying how the proteins that cause ADPKD and tiny cell structures called cilia release small vesicles, to better understand and help people with ADPKD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175261 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a tiny worm (C. elegans) that shares similar polycystin proteins with humans to watch these proteins in living animals. Scientists tag polycystin-like proteins with fluorescent markers and use high-resolution, real-time imaging to see when and where small extracellular vesicles are shed from cilia. They will test what triggers vesicle release, where the vesicles go, and whether the vesicles carry signals that affect other cells. The team links these findings to human kidneys by considering how similar vesicles appear in urine and could serve as biomarkers or future targets for therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with ADPKD or known PKD1/PKD2 mutations would be the patients most directly connected to this research and potential future sample donors or trial candidates.
Not a fit: People without ADPKD or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new urinary biomarkers and molecular targets that help detect or slow ADPKD progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that urinary extracellular vesicles can reflect kidney disease and that the worm model conserves polycystin biology, but linking ciliary vesicle shedding to ADPKD mechanisms is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Piscataway, United States
- Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. — Piscataway, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barr, Maureen M — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Barr, Maureen M
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.