SIRT1 signalling is involved in the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and may represent a new therapeutic target for this disease, say researchers. Zhou et al. found that Sirt1 levels were upregulated in a mouse model of ADPKD. Deletion or inhibition of Sirt1 delayed renal cyst formation. The researchers propose that Sirt1 regulates epithelial cell proliferation and death via pathways involving Rb and p53.