Cell polarity in human renal cystic disease.

Abstract

These findings indicate intact structural and functional polarity in cell-lining cysts; however, in about 25% of the cells, Na/K-ATPase, fodrin, and ankyrin are localized to apical and lateral cell membranes, probably due to cell dedifferentiation. The notable changes in the basement membranes of cysts suggest a key role for the extracellular matrix in the pathogenesis of PKD.