The JHU Center for Polycystic Kidney Disease is comprised of a group of world renowned and NIH-funded research laboratories with both physician and basic scientists. Center members are using an interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art approach to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying various forms of human polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD consists of a diverse group of hereditary disorders affecting approximately 600,000 persons in the United States alone. It is one of the most common inherited diseases in humans and the fourth leading cause of end stage kidney disease worldwide. The disorder results in the formation of fluid-filled renal cysts rendering the destruction of normal renal structure and function. There are currently no cures for the disease. The center’s efforts are directed at developing curative therapies for PKD through an understanding of basic renal biology in health and disease.
