How polycystin proteins, cilia, and tiny cellular packets work in a worm model
Official title: Polycystins, cilia, and extracellular vesicles in C. elegans
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11372609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using a tiny worm model, researchers are learning how the proteins that cause ADPKD are sent out from cells in tiny packets so we can better understand and help people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
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 start | May 1, 2001 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $120,987 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DK059418-26S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with ADPKD or family members interested in biomarker research or who might donate urine samples for related studies are the most relevant audience.
✕Less likely to help
People without ADPKD or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory work.
What this research studies
This project uses the roundworm C. elegans to follow the behavior of polycystin proteins that are involved in ADPKD. Scientists tag those proteins with fluorescent markers and watch in real time as they are released from cell cilia in tiny extracellular vesicles. The team compares vesicles released from different parts of the cilium and tests whether these packets carry signals to other cells or animals. By connecting what happens in worms to what is seen in mammalian urine samples, they hope to learn which vesicles might serve as biomarkers or targets for future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new urine-based biomarkers or molecular targets that help diagnose or eventually treat ADPKD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown polycystins appear in urinary extracellular vesicles and worm models have conserved polycystin biology, but translating these findings into clinical tests or treatments remains an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.