Cao Lab
Principal Investigator: Erhu Cao
Institution: University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: ✅ Accepting PhD Students ✅ Hiring Postdocs
Research Focus
Project Summary The human polycystin family of membrane proteins consists of versatile cellular censors classified as PKD1-like 11-transmembrane (TM)-spanning receptors (PKD1, PKD1L1, PKD2L2, and PKDREJ) and PKD2-like 6-TM- spanning cation channels (PKD2, PKD2L1, and PKD2L2). PKD1 and PKD2 were first identified as the two cul- prits that are mutated autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). ADPKD is the most common monogenic disorder and fourth leading cause of kidney failure. PKD1 and PKD2 assemble into a heteromeric receptor/ion channel complex at primary cilia in the kidney where they sense mechanical and/or chemical stimuli and contribute to the development and maintenance of the exquisite tubular architecture of nephrons. PKD2 additionally functions co-dependently with PKD1L1 at vertebrate embryonic node cilia to mediate Ca2+ influx, which initiates a transcriptional program that determines left-right asymmetry of internal organs and the vascu- latures. Mutations in PKD1L1 lead to development of heterotaxy, biliary atresia (BA), and congenital heart de- fects (CHD). PKDREJ and PKD2L2, two understudied polycystin members, likely participate in Ca2+ signaling in sper…
Active NIH Awards
- 5R01DK139541-03: Structural Mechanisms of Polycystic Kidney Disease Proteins (2026)
- 2R01DK128592-05A1: Structures and Pharmacology of Cation-Chloride Cotransporters (2026)
- 5R01DK139541-02: Structural Mechanisms of Polycystic Kidney Disease Proteins (2025)
- 5R01DK128592-04: Structures and Pharmacology of Cation-Chloride Cotransporters (2024)
- 1R01DK139541-01: Structural Mechanisms of Polycystic Kidney Disease Proteins (2024)
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