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Mayo Clinic has been a leader in research on PKD for several years. Mayo Clinic researchers discovered the main gene causing autosomal dominant PKD (PKD1), the gene that causes autosomal recessive PKD (PKHD1), and a gene that causes a rare form of PKD associated with multiple malformations (Meckel-Gruber syndrome, MKS3). Researchers consider this a very exciting time in PKD research, and believe that current research efforts will lead to more effective treatments for the disease.
Nephrologists at Mayo also are working to gain an understanding of how to prevent the progression of renal disease in patients with PKD.
Laboratory-based research at Mayo has focused on explaining how mutations in the PKD genes lead to cyst development, and on finding effective therapies for PKD. These studies have shown that a new drug (tolvaptan) — an antagonist of the V2 vasopressin receptor — can dramatically slow the development and progression of PKD in several animal models. In addition, Mayo researchers have shown that another drug (octreotide) delays the development of both PKD and polycystic liver disease. Both medications are now in clinical trials.
Read more about Mayo Clinic's extensive research work into PKD at the Mayo Clinic Research Web site: mayoresearch.mayo.edu (link opens in a new window).
Mayo Clinic also conducts observational studies and clinical trials into PKD, including:
Since 1988, the Mayo Nephrology Collaborative Group (MNCG) has developed and conducted studies aimed at improving treatment of patients with renal diseases. The group consists of 83 nephrologists at 31 study sites in 17 states. See the MNCG page for more information (link opens in new window).
See a list of publications by Mayo doctors on polycystic kidney disease on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
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