Understanding calcium changes in kidney cells for polycystic kidney disease
Cilia calcium dysregulation in polycystic kidney disease
This research explores how calcium signals in tiny cell structures called cilia contribute to polycystic kidney disease, a condition that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099872 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a serious condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, often caused by changes in a protein called PKD2. This protein helps manage calcium within tiny, antenna-like cell parts called cilia, which are important for kidney health. We don't fully understand how these PKD2 changes affect calcium or lead to cyst formation. Our team is developing new ways to look at calcium signals in cilia at a very detailed level to understand how ADPKD mutations alter PKD2 function. By uncovering these basic mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to stop cyst growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for individuals with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) and their families, as it seeks to understand the root causes of the condition.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal fundamental mechanisms of ADPKD, potentially leading to new targets for treatments that slow or prevent kidney cyst formation.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses novel assays and builds on recent findings, including a refutation of a previous hypothesis, indicating a new and untested approach to understanding PKD2 function.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Decaen, Paul Gregory — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Decaen, Paul Gregory
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.