Investigating the use of bone marrow transplantation to study and treat polycystic kidney disease [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr James Deane (Principal investigator)

Brief description Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic condition that causes fluid filled cysts to form in the kidney. In many cases, these cysts lead to kidney failure. Once the kidneys fail irreversibly, the only treatments available are dialysis and kidney transplantation. Dialysis to remove waste products from the blood is time consuming and does not completely replace all functions of the kidney. Kidney transplantation is limited by the availability of donor organs. At present, there are no reliable ways to prevent the onset or slow the progression of PKD. The kidney consists of a complex system of tubules and ducts. PKD causes the cells that make up these tubules and ducts to grow uncontrollably and form cysts. We are using mice to study how mutations affect the mechanisms that control cell growth in the kidney and cause PKD. Bone marrow cells can move to the kidney and repair it after damage. We will test if bone marrow cells carrying a PKD mutation can cause PKD when transplanted into a healthy mouse. This will help us learn how mutations cause PKD in humans. We will also see if normal bone marrow can prevent disease when transplanted into a mutant mouse that spontaneously develops PKD. This experiment may lay the basis for a way to treat human PKD.

Funding Amount $AUD 349,250.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes New Investigator Grant