Nedd9 restrains renal cystogenesis in Pkd1-/- mice

This study uses mouse models for the first time to our knowledge to identify that NEDD9, a nonenzymatic scaffolding protein that is commonly amplified in cancer, has an important restraining function for the development of renal cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In the absence of NEDD9, failure to activate Aurora-A kinase causes multiple abnormalities in cilia, intensifying the effect of genetic deficiency of mutations in the polycystic kidney disease (PKD) 1 gene, the most common cause of PKD. As important implications, clinical inhibitors of Aurora-A also intensified ADPKD induced by mutation of PKD1, suggesting caution in use of these agents, whereas recently reported polymorphisms in Nedd9 may contribute to the genetic heterogeneity of ADPKD presentation in affected families.