Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a leading cause of ESRD worldwide. In PKD, excessive
cell proliferation and fluid secretion, pathogenic interactions of mutated epithelial cells with
an abnormal extracellular matrix and alternatively activated interstitial macrophages, and the
disruption of mechanisms controlling tubular diameter contribute to cyst formation. Studies
with animal models suggest that several diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms, including
dysregulation of intracellular calcium levels and cAMP signaling, mediate these cystogenic …