SUMMARY
Neera K. Dahl, M.D., Ph.D., diagnoses and treats patients with polycystic kidney disease. Her research involves understanding the genetic basis of kidney cysts, especially those conditions in which kidney cysts are associated with kidney failure.
The diseases Dr. Dahl studies include autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. She also studies rarer causes of cystic kidney disease in adults, including autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease and tuberous sclerosis.
Many genes beyond PKD1 and PKD2 can cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease or a related condition called autosomal dominant liver disease. Learning about these other genes is an area of active interest. Dr. Dahl's research also focuses on innovative clinical trials to improve the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and the care of patients with this disease.
Focus areas
- Clinical trials in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Dr. Dahl has been a principal investigator in many clinical trials in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, including the early tolvaptan trials. The goal of clinical trials is to improve outcomes for patients with this condition.
- Genetic testing in kidney disease. Dr. Dahl's research in this area focuses on the value of genetic testing in adding new information to the management of kidney disease. Genetic testing also facilitates discovery of new insights in kidney disease. She has been involved in writing guidelines in this developing area.
- Kidney stones and kidney cysts. Some kidney genetic conditions cause an increase in kidney stones and kidney cysts. Discovering the genes that cause both conditions may increase the understanding of how each develops.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Dahl is a clinical researcher with a focus on improving outcomes for patients with inherited kidney disease. She is very interested in how genetic testing of cystic kidney disease may improve disease recognition and outcomes.
Dr. Dahl also is interested in studying whether patients with certain disease-causing genes would benefit from specific treatments targeting their individual genetic variants. More broadly, she focuses on clinical trials in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, using the resources of the Mayo Clinic Robert M. and Billie Kelley Pirnie Translational Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Center, to bring innovative therapies to patients.
Professional highlights
- Associate director, Mayo Clinic Robert M. and Billie Kelley Pirnie Translational Polycystic Kidney Disease Center, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Director, Mayo Clinic Center of Excellence in Polycystic Kidney Disease, 2023-present.
- Member, Scientific Advisory Panel, PKD Foundation, 2018-2026.
- Co-chair, KDOQI US Commentary on KDIGO Guidelines in ADPKD, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), 2023-2025.
- Associate editor, Kidney360, 2024.
- Distinguished Clinical Service Award, American Society of Nephrology, 2024.