Conceptual illustration of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease progression over time. Three kidneys representing early, middle and late stages of disease are shown alongside curves depicting changes in total kidney volume, kidney function, fibrosis, inflammatory signaling, proliferative pathways and metabolic activity. The figure illustrates overlapping biological phases during disease progression, including proliferative remodeling, inflammatory and injury-repair responses, and late fibrotic remodeling associated with accelerated decline in kidney function. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease as a temporally dynamic disease

This conceptual model illustrates overlapping biological phases during autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease progression. Early disease is characterized by rapid cyst growth, proliferative signaling and metabolic reprogramming; whereas, the middle stage is associated with sustained inflammation and injury-repair responses. Late disease is marked by prominent fibrosis, declining metabolic activity and accelerated loss of kidney function. Recognizing these evolving biological phases may improve biomarker development, risk stratification, therapeutic targeting and the timing of interventions in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Translational and clinical studies

The lab leads several translational and clinical studies to identify early biomarkers and improve the assessment of disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Current and recent studies include:

  • Longitudinal assessment of endothelial function in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
  • Metabolic fingerprinting studies in pediatric and adult autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
  • Evaluation of oxidative stress, Nrf2 antioxidant response and redox biomarkers in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
  • Imaging studies of the intrarenal microvasculature.
  • Homocysteine metabolism and vascular dysfunction.

These studies integrate imaging, vascular physiology, metabolomics and molecular biomarkers to better understand disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.