The Polycystic Kidney Disease Conference: Hurdles and Advances in Molecular Mechanisms and Therapies
Summary
July 24-29, 2022
Launched in 2002, this FASEB Science Research Conference (SRC) focuses on the inherited renal cystic diseases including the autosomal dominant (ADPKD) and recessive (ARPKD) forms of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the overlapping autosomal dominant polycystic liver diseases (ADPLD), and many syndromic forms of PKD, such as ciliopathies.
Identification of genes mutated in many of these disorders has improved the understanding of their pathophysiology, made the development of orthologous animal models possible, and facilitated the identification of therapeutic targets and the implementation of preclinical and clinical trials.
Now is a particularly propitious time for PKD research: Advances in structural biology and modeling are shedding light into the functions of polycystins, novel human PKD and PLD genes are being identified, and a number of recent studies are revealing insights into cilia-dependent and cilia-independent polycystin functions, namely atypical G-protein-coupled receptor, ion channel, or cellular sensors within signaling networks. In this era of omics, significant progress is being achieved on PKD pathogenesis, particularly in cellular/organelle biology, multivesicular bodies, and metabolic regulation. Experimental models, including kidney organoids, are serving to elucidate underlying mechanisms and screen drugs, and multiple preclinical and clinical trials for PKD are underway, such as PKD re-expression and the emerging field of RNA therapeutics.
Yet, much remains to be learned about the genetic and molecular mechanisms of these diseases. Optimal therapies capable of preventing their development or stopping their progression do not yet exist. Research on PKD is ongoing from the most basic to phase III clinical trials. This disorder truly encompasses all areas from bench to bedside.
The conference focuses on recent advances in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying PKD and PKD-related disorders, and the development of therapies to slow their progression. It brings together basic scientists, clinical researchers and investigators, early-stage investigators, trainees, funding agencies, and medical science liaisons from pharmaceutical companies who will share and promote cross-disciplinary discussions and collaboration.
The participants’ wide range of disciplines include nephrology, gastroenterology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry and structural biology, developmental biology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, and health sciences.
Have questions about the conference? Email us at src@faseb.org.
Identification of genes mutated in many of these disorders has improved the understanding of their pathophysiology, made the development of orthologous animal models possible, and facilitated the identification of therapeutic targets and the implementation of preclinical and clinical trials.
Now is a particularly propitious time for PKD research: Advances in structural biology and modeling are shedding light into the functions of polycystins, novel human PKD and PLD genes are being identified, and a number of recent studies are revealing insights into cilia-dependent and cilia-independent polycystin functions, namely atypical G-protein-coupled receptor, ion channel, or cellular sensors within signaling networks. In this era of omics, significant progress is being achieved on PKD pathogenesis, particularly in cellular/organelle biology, multivesicular bodies, and metabolic regulation. Experimental models, including kidney organoids, are serving to elucidate underlying mechanisms and screen drugs, and multiple preclinical and clinical trials for PKD are underway, such as PKD re-expression and the emerging field of RNA therapeutics.
Yet, much remains to be learned about the genetic and molecular mechanisms of these diseases. Optimal therapies capable of preventing their development or stopping their progression do not yet exist. Research on PKD is ongoing from the most basic to phase III clinical trials. This disorder truly encompasses all areas from bench to bedside.
The conference focuses on recent advances in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying PKD and PKD-related disorders, and the development of therapies to slow their progression. It brings together basic scientists, clinical researchers and investigators, early-stage investigators, trainees, funding agencies, and medical science liaisons from pharmaceutical companies who will share and promote cross-disciplinary discussions and collaboration.
The participants’ wide range of disciplines include nephrology, gastroenterology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry and structural biology, developmental biology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, and health sciences.
Have questions about the conference? Email us at src@faseb.org.
Program
The conference's main themes are: 1) PKD genetic, protein structures, biologic functions and interactions; 2) Molecular pathologies triggered in PKD: metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis; 3) Discoveries on PKD cystogenic mechanisms: signaling, high-throughput screening and model systems such as organoids; 4) New therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and clinical trials.
Conference sessions will present the latest research and foster discussion on:
Conference sessions will present the latest research and foster discussion on:
- Genetic and cystogenic mechanisms in PKD and PLD
- PKD proteins : structures, complexes, and functions
- Cell biology of PKD proteins: cell metabolism to cilia
- PKD cystogenic signaling pathways
- Inflammation and fibrosis in PKD
- PKD/PLD models, screening, and mechanisms
- New therapeutic approaches and targets
- Clinical trials update: diagnosis, biomarkers, treatment and outcomes
Keynote Lecture
Masayuki Yamamoto, PhD, Tohoku University
Organizers

Marie Trudel, PhD
Director, Molecular Genetics and Development Research Unit, IRCM—Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Canada

Peter Igarashi, MD
Nesbitt Chair and Head, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
Poster Information
Poster boards are 4.92 feet wide (1.5m) and 3.93 feet in height (1.2m).
Early registration is available until June 23, 2022
Attendees: $1239 + VAT
Students: $1089 + VAT
Invited Speakers: $1239 + VAT
Register Here
Attendees: $1239 + VAT
Students: $1089 + VAT
Invited Speakers: $1239 + VAT
Register Here
Regular registration fees start on June 24, 2022
Attendees: $1389 + VAT
Students: $1239 + VAT
Invited Speakers: $1239 + VAT
Register Here
Attendees: $1389 + VAT
Students: $1239 + VAT
Invited Speakers: $1239 + VAT
Register Here
Lisbon Marriott Hotel - Avenida dos Combatentes 45, Lisboa (Lisbon) 1600-042 Portugal
€150/night (single room) €160/night (double). The discounted room rate cutoff date is June 24, 2022. Rates include VAT (currently at 6%) and service charges, but do not include city tax (€2,00 per person, per night. Maximum seven nights).
The registration fee does not include lodging. Please book your lodging online here.
Roomshare/Rideshare Information
To request a roomshare or rideshare with other participants click here. Please note that participation is completely voluntary and the responsibility of the individual. FASEB will not be matching or assigning roommates or rides. FASEB is not responsible for any liability or financial obligation that may arise from voluntary matching made using these options.
The registration fee does not include lodging. Please book your lodging online here.
Roomshare/Rideshare Information
To request a roomshare or rideshare with other participants click here. Please note that participation is completely voluntary and the responsibility of the individual. FASEB will not be matching or assigning roommates or rides. FASEB is not responsible for any liability or financial obligation that may arise from voluntary matching made using these options.
The airport provides information on ground transportation options here. The average cost of a taxi from this airport to the conference location is approx. €10.
Lodging reservations should only be made using the options above. Any solicitation by third-party lodging companies is not endorsed by FASEB.
Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) (4.3 miles / 6.9 km from hotel)
Great rates: Enjoy specially negotiated rates which may also be honored for extended stays based on availability.
Be in the center of activity: Enjoy quick and easy access to all conference functions and networking opportunities.
Additional protection: FASEB may be able to assist you with any issues that arise with the hotel.
Be in the center of activity: Enjoy quick and easy access to all conference functions and networking opportunities.
Additional protection: FASEB may be able to assist you with any issues that arise with the hotel.