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Recent Discoveries in Epigenetic Modifications of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Sarah A Bowden1, Euan J Rodger1,2, Aniruddha Chatterjee1,2

  • 1Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) involves kidney cyst growth. Research suggests epigenetic changes, particularly DNA methylation, may offer new therapeutic targets for this genetic kidney disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by kidney cyst development, often leading to end-stage renal disease.
  • The precise mechanisms driving cystogenesis and disease progression in ADPKD remain incompletely understood.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for ADPKD are limited in their ability to slow cystic growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of epigenetic alterations in ADPKD.
  • To highlight the role of DNA methylation in ADPKD pathogenesis.
  • To explore the potential of epigenetic modifications as therapeutic targets for ADPKD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating epigenetic changes in ADPKD.
  • Focus on research examining DNA methylation patterns in ADPKD kidneys.
  • Analysis of similarities between ADPKD and neoplasia regarding epigenetic landscapes.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, are altered in various diseases, including neoplasia.
  • Similarities exist between ADPKD and neoplastic conditions, suggesting potential epigenetic dysregulation in ADPKD.
  • Emerging evidence points to specific alterations in DNA methylation within ADPKD kidneys.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation changes, are implicated in ADPKD.
  • The epigenetic landscape of ADPKD kidneys presents potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
  • Further research into ADPKD-specific epigenetic modifications could lead to new treatment strategies.
Keywords:
ADPKDDNA methylationPKD1cystogenesisepigeneticsepigenomeinherited kidney diseasepolycystic kidney disease

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