Yale School of Medicine researchers have discovered that the PKD1 gene not only causes cysts to grow on the kidneys, but on the liver as well. Their studies of families with liver-only polycystic disease led them to explore the relationship between that liver condition and the most common form of Polycystic Kidney Disease, ADPKD. They have determined that low expression of PKD1 leads to cysts and theorize that increased expression could slow cyst formation. They believe that targeting the activity of PKD1 could benefit those with liver-only polycystic disease, as well as children with recessive PKD and some adults with ADPKD.
Source:
Single Gene Controls Development of Many Forms of Polycystic Disease, Yale University, July 19, 2011