In vivo base editing reduces liver cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most prevalent genetic kidney disorder, affecting over 10 million individuals worldwide. Cystic expansion typically progresses to kidney failure and also involves the liver with limited treatment options. Pathogenic variants in PKD1 or PKD2 account for 85%-90% of cases. Genetic re-expression of Pkd1 or Pkd2 has been shown to partially reverse key characteristics of the disease phenotype in mice. Despite advancements in understanding the genetic basis, it remains unclear whether correcting pathogenic variants can effectively prevent, modify, or reverse the disease. Additionally, the feasibility of genome editing as a treatment remains largely unexplored. In this study, we employed CRISPR base editing to correct representative pathogenic PKD1 variants selected from a patient cohort, achieving precise and efficient editing in vitro. Correction of a murine missense variant (c.6646C>T (R2216W)) in primary renal epithelial cells increased polycystin-1 expression and reduced the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker sXBP1. In vivo, base editor delivery to the c.6646C>T (R2216W) knockin mouse enabled correction of the pathogenic variant, resulting in a significant reduction in liver cysts. These findings provide the first evidence that genome editing may ameliorate key features of ADPKD, opening promising therapeutic perspectives for affected patients and their families.