Darren P. Wallace, PhD

Professional Background

Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine (primary appointment) and Cell Biology and Physiology (secondary appointment)
Jared Grantham Kidney Institute

Director, Kansas PKD Research and Translation Core Center
Director, PKD Biomarkers and Biomaterials Core

Education:
B.A., University of Kansas
University of Kansas Medical Center - Ph.D. (physiology)
University of Kansas Medical Center - Postdoctoral Fellowship

Research

Overview

Research Focus:
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a lethal, inherited disorder characterized by the formation and growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts, massively enlarged kidneys, and progressive loss of renal function. The disease is caused by mutations in PKD1 or PKD2, genes that encode polycystin-1 (PC-1) and polycystin-2 (PC-2), respectively. The proteins are thought to directly interact to form a Ca2+ channel that is important in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling. Progressive expansion of cysts involves aberrant cell proliferation and the accumulation of fluid within the developing cyst cavity. As cysts grow, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and the accumulation of EMC proteins lead to tissue fibrosis and a decline in kidney function.