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Published on: September 1, 2015
New Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Targeting Tubular Channels/Transporters in PKD Development
1Kidney Institute of PLA, Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China.
Insights
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) involves gene mutations affecting ion transport. Dysregulated calcium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-driven chloride transport are key to PKD development.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) arises from mutations in PKD1, PKD2, or PKHD1 genes.
- These genes encode polycystin-1, polycystin-2, and fibrocystin, respectively.
- Transport and channel function abnormalities precede cyst formation in PKD, highlighting their critical role.
Approach:
- Review of current knowledge on ion transport mechanisms in PKD.
- Analysis of calcium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-driven chloride transport.
- Discussion of glucose transporters, phosphate transporters, and water channels in PKD pathogenesis.
Key Points:
- Polycystin-2 functions as a calcium-permeable cation channel.
- Polycystin-1 and fibrocystin can modulate polycystin-2 channel activity.
- Abnormal calcium handling and excessive cAMP-dependent fluid secretion are central to PKD.
Conclusions:
- Understanding transport dysregulation is crucial for PKD research.
- Targeting ion transport pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for PKD.
- Further investigation into specific transporters and channels is warranted.
Background:
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or autosomal recessive PKD is caused by a mutation in the PKD1, PKD2 or PKHD1 gene, which encodes polycystin-1, polycystin-2 or fibrocystin, respectively. Embryonic and postnatal mutation studies show that transport or channel function is dysregulated before the initiation of cystogenesis, suggesting that the abnormality of transport or channel function plays a critical role in the pathology of PKD.
Summary:
Polycystin-2 by itself is a calcium-permeable cation channel, and its channel function can be regulated by polycystin-1 or fibrocystin. In this paper, we reviewed the current knowledge about calcium transports and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-driven chloride transports in PKD. In addition, the function and the underlining mechanism of glucose transporters, phosphate transporters and water channels in PKD are also discussed.
Key Messages:
Abnormalities in calcium handling and exuberant cAMP-dependent cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-mediated fluid secretion in the collecting duct are the most important issues in the pathogenesis of PKD.
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