PKD Foundation

Meet kidney researcher Duuamene Nyimanu, Ph.D., of the University of Kansas Medical Center. In 2023 he received a fellowship to investigate whether targeting the apelin signaling pathway system could slow the progression of PKD. Apelin receptors are found in blood vessels and various organs, including the kidneys. When activated by apelin proteins, they trigger responses such as blood vessel relaxation and reduced inflammation. Although Dr. Nyimanu initially focused on their role in cardiovascular disease, he became intrigued by their actions in the kidneys. His research turned up three published studies in ADPKD, but all indicated that decreased apelin signaling accelerated PKD progression. In one study, PKD patients with the lowest apelin levels developed worse disease over 12 months. They also had increased injury to the tubules, the kidney structures that filter urine. This suggested that boosting apelin activity might protect kidney function. Though apelin receptors remain intact in PKD, levels of the apelin ligands that activate them are reduced. By replacing the missing apelin proteins, Dr. Nyimanu hopes to reconstitute signaling and slow cyst growth and kidney damage. If successful in animals, the goal is to translate these findings into apelin-based drugs for human PKD, Dr. Nyimanu says. Beyond potential kidney benefits, the apelin system also lowers blood pressure—a major complication in PKD. Activating apelin receptors could thus provide the dual advantages of preserving kidney function while controlling hypertension and its accompanying risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Learn more about PKD Foundation-funded research at https://lnkd.in/gUDdu3i.

Pumpkins to #endPKD? 🎃 Raising awareness and funds for critical PKD research is easier than you think! Through Fundraise Your Way, you can turn major holidays, bake sales, lemonade stands, and more into a fundraiser for the PKD Foundation. Learn more at pkdcure.org/fyw

Don't miss your chance to give a voice to the PKD community. Become an Advocacy Champion! Apply before this Thursday, October 31st at https://lnkd.in/gmnUKCgA

That’s a wrap on the American Society of Nephrology #KidneyWk! Grateful for the inspiring discussions, valuable connections, and fresh insights gained over the past few days. See you next year!👋🏼

Day 2 of ASN Kidney Week is here! Join us at booth 1300 to learn about our grant and fellowship opportunities, the Centers of Excellence program, and how you can get involved in advocacy efforts. We look forward to connecting and exploring ways to #endPKD together! #kidneywk

Excited to share highlights from the recent Critical Path Institute (C-Path) PKDOC FDA Fireside Chat, expertly moderated by Dr. Ronald Perrone, a leading clinician researcher in PKD. We had an incredible turnout, with over 100 key PKD leaders joining us for an engaging discussion featuring insights from the FDA, Drs. Kirtida Mistry and Rekha Kambhampati. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important dialogue! #endPKD #kidneywk

Come visit us at ASN Kidney Week booth 1300 to learn more about PKD Foundation programs! #kidneywk #endPKD

Excited to share that our President and CEO, Susan Bushnell, delivered insights on PKD Foundation programs at the annual Critical Path Institute (C-Path) Polycystic Kidney Disease Outcomes Consortium (PKDOC) dinner during ASN Kidney Week in San Diego. #KidneyWk #endPKD

Packed room at the PKDOC PKD Foundation dinner to discuss ways to catalyze therapies for #ADPKD Susan Bushnell showcasing the achievements of the PKD foundation for the last 12 months! #pkd #Kidneywk

This week, we're attending the American Society of Nephrology #KidneyWk in San Diego! We're excited to connect with our Industry Alliance partners Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.), Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and BridgeBio to discuss the future of PKD treatments, education, and engagement.