Scientists in the US have achieved a breakthrough in research on autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which could lead to pharmaceutical labels being printed for a drug to treat it soon.

A team at the University of California Santa Barbara discovered that a protein called polycystin-1 - which is mutated in ADPKD patients - regulates a signalling molecule named STAT3.

Furthermore, STAT3 was found to be aberrantly activated in kidneys affected by the condition.

Thomas Weimbs, director of the laboratory where the discoveries were made, said the molecule could be a promising drug target, something which is now being researched.

"Numerous STAT3 inhibitors are currently being developed and tested and several experimental drugs are already available," he added.

According to the NHS, symptoms of ADPKD include high blood pressure, abdominal pain and blood in the urine.

It affects 12 million people worldwide and usually causes kidney failure in sufferers by the time they are 50.

Denny Bros Ltd, 27 April 2011