Analysis of biochemical pathway changes in cystic kidneys reveals dysregulation of the cell cycle, increased proliferation and apoptosis, activation of Mek‐Erk, Akt‐mTOR, and Wnt‐β‐catenin signaling pathways, and altered glycosphingolipid metabolism that resemble the biochemical changes occurring in human ADPKD kidneys. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.