Cao Lab

Research focus

NIH R01 · 2025

Structural Mechanisms of Polycystic Kidney Disease Proteins

Project Summary The human polycystin family of membrane proteins consists of versatile cellular censors classified as PKD1-like 11-transmembrane (TM)-spanning receptors (PKD1, PKD1L1, PKD2L2, and PKDREJ) and PKD2-like 6-TM- spanning cation channels (PKD2, PKD2L1, and PKD2L2). PKD1 and PKD2 were first identified as the two cul- prits that are mutated autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). ADPKD is the most common monogenic disorder and fourth leading cause of kidney failure. PKD1 and PKD2 assemble into a heteromeric receptor/ion channel complex at primary cilia in the kidney where they sense mechanical and/or chemical stimuli and contribute to the development and maintenance…

From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.