Present Status and Advances in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic disorder of the kidney. The mainly clinical manifestation is progressive cyst formation in bilateral kidneys, impairs normal renal parenchyma, and ultimately results in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Extra-renal lesions include cystic liver or pancreas, brain aneurysm and cardiovascular defects. Mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes result in the disease, but the former develops more severe clinical phenotypes than the latter. Currently, ADPKD still challenge vast clinicians on account of lacking effective and less side-effect therapy. Intensive study of molecular mechanism of the disease can establish theoretical basis for potential therapeutic targets and guide clinicians to develop new approaches in treatment of this disease. This review will focus on current advances of ADPKD pathogenesis which may benefit the translational therapy and precision medicine for the disease treatment.