Rutgers scientists changed one gene in tiny worms to test a human kidney disease clue; the altered nerve protein fell to 15% of normal and missed its target

Researchers at Rutgers University have delved into the genetics of kidney disease by studying the miniature roundworm C. elegans. By manipulating a specific DNA segment, they discovered a drastic reduction in levels of polycystin-2, showing that this mutation hinders the protein's delivery to its cellular destination. This alteration also disrupts the functioning of polycystin-1, emphasizing the critical role of genetic mutations in disease understanding.