Inherited forms of IgA nephropathy.
Simplex and multiplex families with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) have been reported from several ethnic backgrounds, providing the strongest evidence of a role for genetic factors in pathogenesis of IgAN. From a phenotypic point of view, familial and sporadic IgAN cannot be differentiated, and the main clinical and histological features are similar. Traditionally, the case-control study design was employed to identify associations between particular candidate genes, for example, HLA antigens the uteroglobin gene and IgAN, giving conflicting results. Recently, a different approach, using linkage analysis, was undertaken by geneticists at Yale University. A 10-cM genome-wide screen was performed in 30 multiplex IgAN pedigrees, and one locus was mapped (IGAN-1) on chromosome 6q22-23. Future study will be focused on the identification of the gene underlying IGAN-1. This will enable us to understand the molecular pathogenetic basis of IgAN.
Scolari
Francesco
F
Division of Nephrology, Spedali Civili, Ple Ospedale Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy. fscolar@tin.it
D005260:Female; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008967:Molecular Biology; D010375:Pedigree; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
D006680:HLA Antigens