Kidney disease gene controls cancer highway

University of Queensland researchers have discovered that a gene that causes kidney disease also controls growth of the lymphatic system, a key route through which cancer spreads.

Pkd1 is the most frequently mutated gene in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, which causes cysts to develop on kidneys and can lead to renal failure.

Researchers, led by Dr Ben Hogan from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, (IMB) discovered that Pkd1 also controls lymphatic vessel development.

“Lymphatic vessels are used by tumours as a ‘highway’ through which they can metastasise, or spread, to other tissues,” Dr Hogan said.

“Most cancer deaths occur as a result of metastasis, so it is vital that we gain a better understanding of how lymphatic vessels grow and develop into a network.

“Pkd1 is a highly studied gene, so its unique role in lymphatic vessel formation is unexpected and gives us a unique entry point to…