Overview

One of the three core facilities supported by the Mayo Translational PKD Center, the Model Systems Core develops and makes available PKD model systems and technologies, which are used to evaluate potential therapies and determine the function of PKD proteins.

Model systems in the core include C. elegans, rodents and zebrafish. The core builds on existing Mayo Clinic expertise in these particular organisms — especially as in vivo models.

Core Services

• C. elegans PKD-targeted services: C. elegans is a powerful model for characterizing the physiological roles of PKD genes in their native cellular environment. Five specific C. elegans-related services are offered.
  Learn more
• Rodent PKD-targeted services: Rodent models of PKD are used to test promising therapies before they can be utilized in clinical trials. Four specific rodent models are used by the core for drug testing.
  Learn more
• Zebrafish PKD-targeted services: The zebrafish is well-established as a model system for studying PKD, and Mayo has an expanding group of faculty exploring the use of zebrafish for kidney development and disease research. Four zebrafish-focused services are offered.
  Learn more