Role of polycystins in renal tubulogenesis.
Every day, human renal tubules process 140 l of glomerular filtrate into 1 l of urine. They accomplish this by the coordinated function of distinct cell types occupying specific positions along the tubules. This precisely defined structure requires tight regulation of morphogenesis. A group of disorders termed polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by altered tubular morphology. Mutating genes involved in PKD results in renal tubules that either fail to form properly or 'forget' how to maintain their 'correct' diameter. Study of PKD proteins will elucidate the process of renal tubular morphogenesis and guide the development of therapies. Here, we focus on insights provided by study of the most common form of PKD, autosomal dominant PKD.
Boletta
Alessandra
A
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Dibit 4A1, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy.
Germino
Gregory G
GG
D002923:Cilia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016891:Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D050396:TRPP Cation Channels
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D050396:TRPP Cation Channels