Major Leap made towards Discovery of Gene that causes Kidney Failure in Children

This article was taken from Science Daily (May 21, 2009)

Researchers from the American Society of Nephrology are getting closer to locating the gene which causes susceptibility to Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux (pVUR). This condition occurs where a defective valve in the bladder permits urine to pass back into the kidneys and is one of the major causes of pediatric kidney failure. It affects about one percent of children and is genetically inherited through families.

A study involving 12 families was conducted, where 72 affected individuals underwent a genome wide linkage scan. It was found that the pVUR susceptibility gene was located on chromosome 12p11-q13. This locus is less than one percent of the human genome. Contrary to what was previously thought it was found that this gene could be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that there may be several possible forms of inheritance for VUR.

While the exact location of the gene has not yet been identified, this is a major leap forward. Hopefully this will be provide better understanding if the kidney disease and, in the future, help to improve diagnostic tests and treatment.

By Emily Impey, 21 May 2009

For more information:
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
http://jasn.asnjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/ASN.2008111199v1
Vesicoureteral Reflux
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/conditions/vesicoureteral_reflux.html

Pediatric Nephrology - A genome search for primary vesicoureteral reflux shows further evidence for genetic heterogeneity
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2259258

Article from:
American Society of Nephrology. "Important Clue Found To Help Identify Common Cause Of Kidney Failure In Children." ScienceDaily 21 May 2009. 21 May 2009

Picture from:
Kure it! Kidney Cancer Research Fund, 21 May 2009,