Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited genetic 
disorder that results in progressive renal cyst formation with ultimate loss of 
renal function and other systemic disorders. These systemic disorders include 
abnormalities in cardiovascular, portal, pancreatic and gastrointestinal 
systems. ADPKD is considered to be among the ciliopathy diseases due to the 
association with abnormal primary cilia function. In order to understand the 
full course of primary cilia and its association with ADPKD, the structure, 
functions and role of primary cilia have been meticulously investigated. As a 
result, the focus on primary cilia has emerged to support the vital roles of 
primary cilia in ADPKD. The primary cilia have been shown to have not only a 
mechanosensory function but also a chemosensory function. Both structural and 
functional defects in primary cilia result in cystic kidney disease and vascular 
hypertension. Thus, the mechanosenory and chemosensory functions will be 
analyzed in regards to ADPKD.