Understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of kidney-derived vasopressin

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 15% of the US adult population, and vasopressin is associated with its progression. While vasopressin production is thought to be limited to the brain, recent findings indicate it is also made in the kidney, with increased expression in PKD. The project will determine the mechanism through which kidney-derived vasopressin influences water balance and investigate its involvement in cyst growth and PKD progression. Successful completion is expected to clarify the interplay between local and systemic vasopressin signaling in kidney disease, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for CKD and PKD.