The Role of PEC Progenitors in ADPKD Progression

+ CD24 + in ADPKD progression. Methods and Results: Two normal kidneys and two ADPKD kidneys were examined. CD133 and CD24 expression was investigated by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. Renal tissue and cells were analyzed. CD133 and CD24 have the same localization in ADPKD tissues and in normal kidneys: a subset of epithelial cells (PEC) of Bowman's capsule and luminal side of tubules. It is interesting that CD133 + CD24 + cells are statistically more represented in ADPKD tubules (p<0.001) and in healthy glomeruli (p=0.0016). Cysts express CD133 and CD24. Conclusions: Renal epithelial progenitors demonstrate to be involved in ADPKD pathogenesis but their role will have to be clarified and possibly managed to obtain improvement, or at least stabilization, of disease.