Van Sciver Lab
Primary Cilia Biology & Polycystic Kidney Disease
Welcome
Welcome to the Van Sciver Lab!
The Van Sciver lab uses cell culture and mouse models to investigate primary cilia biology and polycystic kidney disease. The lab was established at UAB in 2025 and is actively looking to recruit undergraduate students, postdocs, and staff members willing to learn about this exciting area of research and contribute to the field! Please reach out if interested.
Projects
The Van Sciver Lab has multiple exciting projects!
ARF/ARL GTPase Interactions
The ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) and ARF-like (ARL) family of small GTPases includes a cilium-enriched branch, which coordinates ciliary assembly, protein trafficking, and signaling. Our lab studies the biochemical and functional relationships within this network, focusing on ARL13B, a GTPase concentrated in the ciliary membrane that also acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for a second ARL family member, ARL3. Using structure-guided point mutants that selectively disrupt ARL13B’s GEF activity while preserving its other functions, we dissect how this GTPase-GTPase relay is wired and what downstream effectors it engages. Recent work from the lab (Van Sciver et al., J Am Soc Nephrol, 2026) shows that this ARL13B→ARL3 axis is not merely a trafficking mechanism but an active driver of pathology, linking a single nucleotide-exchange event to disease-relevant cellular outcomes.
Ciliary Drivers of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the leading genetic cause of renal failure, arises when mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 disrupt the ciliary polycystin complex, triggering a cilia-dependent cyst activation (CDCA) pathway whose molecular drivers remain poorly defined. We are working to identify the ciliary components that convert polycystin loss into cyst formation. Using mouse genetics, we showed that loss of the ciliary GTPase ARL13B, or a point mutation that selectively disables its guanine nucleotide exchange activity toward ARL3, suppresses Pkd1-dependent cystogenesis without disrupting ciliary structure, reducing kidney enlargement, fibrosis, and injury markers (Van Sciver et al., J Am Soc Nephrol, 2026). These findings pinpoint a discrete subcellular signaling event – ARL13B-mediated activation of ARL3 within the cilium – as a required step in the CDCA pathway, and we are now extending this work to define its downstream effectors and therapeutic potential.
Ciliary E3 Ligases
Primary cilia depend on tightly regulated protein turnover to maintain their composition and signaling output, and ubiquitination is emerging as a central mechanism controlling this process. We are investigating E3 ubiquitin ligases that localize to the cilium or basal body, asking how they select ciliary substrates, respond to signaling cues, and influence ciliogenesis, cilium disassembly, and the trafficking of proteins into and out of the ciliary compartment. Combining proteomics, targeted mutagenesis, and live imaging in mammalian model systems, we aim to map specific E3 ligase-substrate relationships within the cilium and determine how their dysregulation contributes to ciliopathy phenotypes, including cystic kidney disease. This work extends the lab’s broader interest in the regulatory GTPase and ubiquitin networks that govern ciliary protein homeostasis.
Cilia Boss
Assistant Professor
Robby Van Sciver
Steering the ship on all things cilia and PKD, Robby loves nothing more than seeing his team succeed at the bench. Robby is the principal investigator keeping the science on track and the lab vibes perfectly balanced. Outside the lab, he trades mammalian cells for plants and aquatic ecosystems, cultivating an indoor office jungle and meticulously maintaining his planted aquariums. He is a dedicated mentor who takes immense pride in his research team’s breakthroughs. Whether he is mapping out the future of our ciliary signaling projects, obsessing over the exact water parameters of his fish tanks, or diving into a massive Brandon Sanderson fantasy epic, Robby keeps the lab motivated, funded, and fun.
Director of Good Vibes & Ciliary Sorceress
Researcher Associate
Leslie Lewis
When she isn’t unraveling the intricate mysteries of ciliary E3 ligases, Leslie serves as the lab’s resident vibe queen and grant-funding medium. Armed with a seemingly endless supply of compelling stories and an impeccably positive attitude, she keeps the day-to-day ecosystem running smoothly. She’s also known to casually conjure up training grants for our PhD students via highly strategic lab-bench séances. She keeps our cilia research on track, our spirits high, and the funding gods happy.
Master of Mutagenesis & Campus Hazard Magnet
PhD Student, BSB Theme
Caroline Ring
Caroline is an absolute force of nature at the bench. As a PhD student in the BSB theme, she is unraveling the mysteries of ARL13B interactions at lightning speed. From molecular cloning and co-IPs to her upcoming yeast two-hybrid screens, she churns out results like nobody’s business. Remarkably, her flawless precision in the lab sharply contrasts with her luck outside of it. She has famously twisted her ankle in the exact same spot on campus twice and recently walked away from a totaled car with a busted wrist. She may need bubble wrap for her commute, but at the bench, she’s unstoppable.
Resident Herpetologist & PKD Mouse Whisperer
PhD Student, BSB Theme
Ethan Thompson
When he isn’t knee-deep in a swamp hunting for rare and magical reptiles and amphibians, Ethan is hard at work using mouse models to uncover the mechanisms of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). He is also an avid gamer, though his Street Fighter skills clearly need some work after getting bested by Robby for 20 rounds. Fortunately, what truly sets Ethan apart is his relentless drive to grow. He is constantly asking questions and seeking ways to refine his skills—whether at the bench, in the swamp, or at the arcade. His deep curiosity, whether he's tracking down an elusive frog or tackling complex kidney genetics, makes him an aspiring scientist we truly admire.
Publications
For all publications, see C.V. or download a PDF of my complete CV by clicking here.
C.V.
A PDF of my complete CV can be downloaded by clicking here.
Research Interest
The Van Sciver Lab investigates how primary cilia regulate cellular signaling and how defects in these pathways drive disease, with a particular focus on polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is the most common genetic cause of kidney failure, characterized by the formation of fluid-filled renal cysts and a subsequent decline in kidney function. Our research centers on the ciliary ARL13B–ARL3–INPP5E signaling axis, exploring how the precise trafficking and localization of these key regulators control cyst formation. More broadly, we study how the cilium maintains its distinct protein and lipid composition: through targeted delivery, ubiquitin-dependent removal of signaling proteins from the cilium, signaling-dependent turnover, and the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs). By combining genetic mouse models with advanced cellular imaging, we aim to uncover the fundamental “gatekeeping” mechanisms of the cilium and identify new therapeutic targets for PKD and other ciliopathies.
Training & Positions
2025 – present
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL
Assistant Professor
Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
2019 – 2025
Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Fellowships in Research and Science Teaching (FIRST) IRACDA Fellow
Research Advisor: Dr. Tamara Caspary, Professor of Human Genetics, Emory University
Teaching Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Handy, Professor of Biology, Morehouse College
2013 – 2019
Eastern Virginia Medical SchoolNorfolk, VA
Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Seven-in-absentia (SINA) family E3 ligases in development and oncogenic K-RAS-driven cancer biology
Advisor: Dr. Amy H. Tang, Professor of Cancer Biology
2001 – 2005
University of VirginiaCharlottesville, VA
B.S., Chemical Engineering
Senior Thesis: Combinatorial chemistry: developing an automated high throughput reaction screening system
Advisor: Dr. H. Mario Geysen, Alfred Burger Professor, Professor of Chemistry
Grants & Fellowships
NIH Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award K01
2024 – 2029
NIDDK (K01-DK140605)
Role: PI
Direct: $645,111
Title: Unraveling the Ciliary Driver of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Goal: To understand players of the cilia-dependent cyst activating pathway driving renal cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease by identifying critical residues in ARL13B mediating its interaction with ARL3, INPP5E, and CDK1 and test their role directly in mouse models of PKD.
Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant
2026 – 2028
KidneyCure & American Society of Nephrology (Link)
Role: PI
Title: Unraveling Ciliary Signaling Defects in Polycystic Kidney Disease
Goal: My lab has established ARL13B GEF activity as a critical driver of PKD. This grant aims to reveal whether additional ARF and ARL GTPases are targets of ARL13B GEF activity, the residues required for their interaction, and directly test ARL3 as the next critical therapeutic “touchpoint” of renal cystogenesis in PKD mouse models.
PKD RRC Pilot and Feasibility Grant
2026 – 2027
Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Resource Consortium
Role: PI
Title: Uncovering a Cilia-Extracellular Vesicle Signaling Atlas for Polycystic Kidney Disease
Goal: Delineate the ciliary and extracellular vesicle hypotheses of polycystic kidney disease pathogenesis. This work aims to use organoid models to understand the role of polycystins and the ARL13B effector, INPP5E, in EV biogenesis, cargo composition, and pathogenesis.
NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) F32
2020 – 2024
NIDDK (F32-DK127848)
Role: PI
Direct: $290,910
Title: The critical ciliary role of ARL13B in kidney cystogenesis
Goal: To understand ARL13B’s ciliary function in kidney cystogenesis, identify downstream molecular regulators of ARL13B-mediated cystogenesis, and inform the role of ciliary ARL13B in regulating the cilia-dependent cyst activation factor driving renal cystogenesis
NIH Institutional Research And Career Development Award (IRACDA) K12
2019 – 2022*
NIGMS (K12-GM000680)
Role: Fellow
Title: IRACDA Fellowships in Research and Science Teaching (FIRST)
Goal: Enhance inclusive excellence by providing postdoctoral fellows with traditional research-intensive experience coupled with mentored teaching activities at minority serving institutions (MSIs) in the Atlanta metropolitan area
* Terminated in 2020 to begin individual NRSA F32 fellowship
Publications
- Van Sciver RE, Forster AK, Lewis LM, Caspary T. Ciliary ARL13B Drives Cystogenesis in the Kidney via Its GEF Activity. J Am Soc Nephrol. In Press. PMID: 42636066. DOI: 10.1681/ASN.0000001238.
- Long AB, Wilson IM, Terry T, Van Sciver RE, Caspary T. ARL13B-Cerulean rescues Arl13b-null mouse from embryonic lethality and reveals a role for ARL13B in spermatogenesis. J Cell Sci. 2025 Oct 15;138(20):jcs264009. PMID: 40916698. DOI: 10.1242/jcs.264009.
- Van Sciver RE, Caspary T. A prioritization tool for cilia-associated genes and their in vivo resources unveils new avenues for ciliopathy research. Dis Model Mech. 2024 Sep 12:dmm.052000. PMID: 39263856. DOI: 10.1242/dmm.052000.
- Van Sciver RE, Long AB, Katz HG, Gigante ED, Caspary T. Ciliary ARL13B inhibits developmental kidney cystogenesis in mouse. Dev Biol. 2023 Aug:500:1-9. PMID: 37209936. DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.05.004.
* Selected for cover image of 500th issue of Developmental Biology. - Miller-Kleinhenz JM, Kuzmishin Nagy AB, Majewska AA, Adebayo Michael AO, Najmi SM, Nguyen KH, Van Sciver RE, Fonkoue IT. Let’s talk about race: changing the conversations around race in academia. Commun Biol. 2021 Aug 5; 4(1): 902. PMID: 34354238. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02409-2.
- Gupta G, Lee CD, Guye ML, Van Sciver RE, Lee MP, Lafever AC, Pang A, Tang-Tan AM, Winston JS, Samli B, Jansen RJ, Hoefer RA, Tang AH. An unmet clinical need: Developing prognostic biomarkers and precision medicine to forecast early tumor relapse, detect chemo-resistance, and improve overall survival in high-grade locally advanced, relapsed, and malignant breast cancer. Ann Breast Cancer Ther. 2020 May 2; 4(1): 48–57. PMID: 32542231 DOI: 10.36959/739/525.
- Van Sciver RE*, Lee MP*, Lee CD, Lafever AC, Svyatova E, Kanda K, Colliver AL, van Reesema LLS, Tang-Tan AM, Zheleva V, Bwayi MN, Bian M, Schmidt RL, Matrisian LM, Petersen GM, Tang AH. A New Strategy to Control and Eradicate “Undruggable” Oncogenic K-RAS-Driven Pancreatic Cancer : Molecular Insights and Core Principles Learned from Developmental and Evolutionary Biology. Cancers (Basel). 2018 May 14; 10(5). pii: E142. PMID: 29757973 DOI:10.3390/cancers10050142.
- Pepper IJ, Van Sciver RE, Tang, AH. Phylogenetic Analysis of the SINA/SIAH Ubiquitin E3 Ligase Family in Metazoa. BMC Evol Biol. 2017 Aug 7;17(1):182. PMID: 28784114 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-1024-x
- Jananji S, Risi C, Lindamulage IK, Picard LP, Van Sciver R, Laflamme G, Albaghjati A, Hickson GR, Kwok BH, Galkin VE. Multimodal and polymorphic interactions between anillin and actin: Their implications for cytokinesis. J Mol Biol. 2017; 429 (5): 715–31. PMID: 28147230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.01.020
- Gildea JJ, Van Sciver RE, McGrath HE, Kemp BA, Jose PA, Carey RM, Felder RA. Dopaminergic immunofluorescence studies in kidney tissue. Methods Mol Biol. 2017;1527:151-161. PMID: 28116714 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6625-7_12
- Van Sciver RE*, Njogu MM*, Isbell AJ, Odanga JJ, Bian M, Svyatova E, Siewertsz van Reesema LL, Zheleva V, Eisner JL, Bruflat JK, Schmidt RL, Tang-Tan AM, Tang AH. Blocking SIAH Proteolysis, an Important K-RAS Vulnerability, to Control and Eradicate K-RAS-Driven Metastatic Cancer. in Conquering RAS: From Biology to Cancer Therapy. 2017;213-232. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-803505-4.00012-6
- Siewertsz van Reesema LL*, Zheleva V*, Winston JS*, Jansen RJ, O’Connor CF, Isbell AJ, Bian M, Qin R, Bassett PT, Hinson VJ, Dorsch KA, Kirby BW, Van Sciver RE, Tang-Tan AM, Harden EA, Chang DZ, Allen CA, Perry RR, Hoefer, RA, Tang AH. SIAH and EGFR, two RAS pathway biomarkers, are prognostic in locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. EBioMedicine. 2016 Aug 14; 11: 183-98. PMID: 27569656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.08.014
- Harris SP, Belknap B, Van Sciver RE, White HD, Galkin VE. C0 and C1 N-terminal Ig domains of myosin binding protein C exert different effects on thin filament activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2016 Feb 9;113(6):1558-63. PMID: 26831109 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1518891113
- Gildea JJ, Seaton JE, Victor KG, Reyes CM, Bigler Wang D, Pettigrew AC, Courtner CE, Shah N, Tran HT, Van Sciver RE, Carlson JM, Felder RA. Exosomal Transfer from Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells to Distal Tubule and Collecting Duct Cells. Biochem. 2014;47(15):89-94. PMID: 24976626 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2014.06.018
- Gildea JJ, Shah IT, Van Sciver RE, Israel JA, Enzensperger C, McGrath HE, Jose PA, Felder RA. The cooperative roles of the dopamine receptors, D1R and D5R, on the regulation of renal sodium transport. Kidney Int. 2014;86(1):118-26. PMID: 24552847 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2014.5
- Gildea JJ, Lahiff DT, Van Sciver RE, Weiss RS, Shah N, McGrath HE, Schoeffel CD, Jose PA, Carey RM, Felder RA. A linear relationship between the ex-vivo sodium mediated expression of two sodium regulatory pathways as a surrogate marker of salt sensitivity of blood pressure in exfoliated human renal proximal tubule cells: the virtual renal biopsy. Clin Chim Acta. 2013;421:236-42. PMID: 23454474 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2013.02.021
- Gildea JJ, Tran HT, Van Sciver RE, Bigler Wang D, Carlson JM, Felder RA. A novel role for c-Myc in G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) transcriptional regulation in human kidney proximal tubule cells. Hypertension. 2013;61(5):1021-7. PMID: 23509080 DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.111.00321
- Gildea JJ, McGrath HE, Van Sciver RE, Wang DB, Felder RA. Isolation, growth, and characterization of human renal epithelial cells using traditional and 3D methods. Methods Mol Biol. 2013;945:329-45. PMID: 23097116 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-125-7_20
- Gildea JJ, Wang X, Shah N, Tran H, Spinosa M, Van Sciver R, Sasaki M, Yatabe J, Carey RM, Jose PA, Felder RA. Dopamine and Angiotensin type 2 receptors cooperatively inhibit sodium transport in human renal proximal tubule cells. Hypertension. 2012;60(2):396-403. PMID: 22710646 DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.194175
- Gildea JJ, Kemp BA, Howell NL, Van Sciver RE, Carey RM, Felder RA. Inhibition of renal caveolin-1 reduces natriuresis and produces hypertension in sodium-loaded rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2011;300(4):F914-20. PMID: 21289050 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00380.2010
Teaching Experience
2026
University of Alabama at BirminghamCo-Instructor, Development and Cancer Journal Club (GBSC 700; graduate students)
2026
UAB Heersink School of MedicinePreceptor, Renal Module Small Groups (PCL1170; medical students)
2025 – 2026
University of Alabama at BirminghamGuest Facilitator, Responsible Conduct of Research (GRD 717; graduate students & postdoctoral fellows)
Led discussions for the Mentor-Mentee Responsibilities and Animal Research modules.
2021 – 2023
Emory UniversityGuest Facilitator, M1 Genetics Small Groups on Mendelian Risk Analysis
Facilitated active learning activities and case studies with first year medical students, 1-2 class sessions each fall semester
2021
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories (Virtual)Teaching Assistant, Mouse Engineering Mini-Course and Workshop Series
(Course Directors: Drs. Tamara Caspary, Camilla Forsberg, Diana Laird, and Francesca Mariani)
Facilitated 12 workshops across a week-long intensive mouse genetics and engineering virtual mini-course covering topics including mouse databases, Cre/lox breeding, conditional alleles, CRISPR editing, inducible systems & reporter strategies, and mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM)
2021
Emory UniversityGuest Lecturer, Cell Biology (BIOL250; undergraduate students)
Presentation of current research to exemplify how to prepare goals, background, approach, and expected outcomes for hypothesis-driven research proposals
2020
Morehouse CollegeInstructor, General Biology (undergraduate students)
Co-instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Handy
Introductory biology course for biology majors. 50% responsibility for this course, including content preparation and delivery, exam creation and grading, and facilitating all active learning sessions.
Enrollment: 46 undergraduates
Course Rating: 4.4/5
Instructor Rating: 4.7/5