How polycystin proteins control cell size
The mechanism of cell size regulation by polycystins
Researchers are learning how polycystin proteins and calcium signals control cell growth in ways that relate to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308343 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a simple yeast model to learn how polycystin channels and calcium signals control cell size during the switch from cell division to growth. The team will use genetic screens and live calcium imaging to see how two conserved signaling cascades (called SIN and MOR) regulate the polycystin channel Pkd2p. They will test how these pathways affect calcium entry, channel localization, and the mechanics of cell size expansion. Because polycystins are conserved between yeast and humans, the findings may point to molecular steps relevant to ADPKD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a laboratory-based project, so adults with ADPKD interested in following basic research results are the most relevant audience rather than clinical enrollees.
Not a fit: Patients seeking direct treatments or opportunities to enroll in a clinical trial will not benefit now because the work is yeast-based and does not recruit human participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how polycystin-controlled calcium signals drive abnormal cell growth and suggest new molecular targets to slow or prevent cyst growth in ADPKD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked polycystin defects to altered calcium signaling and cyst growth in ADPKD, but using yeast genetics and live calcium imaging to map conserved regulatory pathways is a more novel, early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
Toledo, United States
- University of Toledo — Toledo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Qian — University of Toledo
- Study coordinator: Chen, Qian
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.