title: Polycystic kidney diseases: from molecular discoveries to targeted therapeutic strategies.
abstract: Polycystic kidney diseases (PKDs) represent a large group of progressive renal disorders characterized by the development of renal cysts leading to end-stage renal disease. Enormous strides have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of PKDs and the development of new therapies. Studies of autosomal dominant and recessive polycystic kidney diseases converge on molecular mechanisms of cystogenesis, including ciliary abnormalities and intracellular calcium dysregulation, ultimately leading to increased proliferation, apoptosis and dedifferentiation. Here we review the pathobiology of PKD, highlighting recent progress in elucidating common molecular pathways of cystogenesis. We discuss available models and challenges for therapeutic discovery as well as summarize the results from preclinical experimental treatments targeting key disease-specific pathways.
authors.affiliation: Cell Biology, Genzyme Corporation, 5 Mountain Road, Framingham, MA 01701-9322, USA. oxana.beskrovnaya@genzyme.com
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ibraghimov-Beskrovnaya
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bukanov
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009154:Mutation; D007690:Polycystic Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D016891:Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D050396:TRPP Cation Channels / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D050396:TRPP Cation Channels; C451750:PKHD1 protein, human