recessive forms (1–3), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) with an incidence of 1 : 500 to 1 : 1000 is one of the commonest hereditary diseases (4). Some 5 million people worldwide are affected. In many countries ADPKD is the fourth most frequent cause of end-stage renal failure. About 85% of these diseases are caused by mutations in the PKD1 gene, the remaining 15% are due to ...

A single gene defect leads to differing degrees of renal and hepatic involvement, with very different phenotypes and clinical outcome within even one affected family. [2] Kidneys are bilaterally enlarged and contain large numbers of cysts throughout the organ, due to the dilatation and elongation of renal collecting ducts. At birth, the interstitium and the rest of the tubules are normal but th...