{"title":"Incorporating Genetics Into Nephrology Practice—The New National Kidney Foundation Guidelines for Genetic Testing","authors":"Becky Mingyao Ma, Nora Franceschini","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic testing for kidney disease may inform clinical diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, help to guide transplant planning, and advise risk in relatives and family planning. This review provides a summary of the National Kidney Foundation report on testing genetic diseases for patients with chronic kidney disease and individuals who are at risk of chronic kidney disease, including family members and kidney donors, with an emphasis in monogenic disorders and <em>APOL1</em>. We illustrate medical decision-making using case-level interpretation for genetic disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 3-8"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer D. Varner , Brandon M. Lane , Rasheed A. Gbadegesin
{"title":"Genetic Nephrotic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: An Update","authors":"Jennifer D. Varner , Brandon M. Lane , Rasheed A. Gbadegesin","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.006","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common glomerular diseases in children and adolescents. Monogenic nephrotic syndrome is associated with lower rates of remission following treatment with standard immunosuppressive therapies and a higher risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease. Advances in genetic testing technologies have identified more than 100 single-gene causes of nephrotic syndrome and made genetic testing more accessible in clinical practice. The vast majority of genes implicated in the etiology of nephrotic syndrome are associated with the glomerular filtration barrier and primarily with the podocyte. A molecular diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome has implications for medication choice, prognostication, indications for further testing, and transplant planning. Like all clinical tools, however, it must be utilized in the appropriate clinical context, though no standardized guidelines exist for indications for genetic testing in nephrotic syndrome. Standard treatment of nephrotic syndrome consists of immunosuppressive therapies. However, patients with monogenic nephrotic syndrome are less likely to achieve remission with immunosuppression, and alternative treatment options are under investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 48-70"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dervla M. Connaughton, Monica Arnaldi, Kendrah O. Kidd, Anthony J. Bleyer
{"title":"Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease: Approach to Diagnosis","authors":"Dervla M. Connaughton, Monica Arnaldi, Kendrah O. Kidd, Anthony J. Bleyer","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by progressive chronic kidney disease, primarily affecting the tubules and interstitium. It results from pathogenic variants in several known genes, including <em>UMOD</em>, mucin-1 (<em>MUC1</em>), <em>REN</em>, <em>APOA4</em>, and others. Despite its clinical significance, ADTKD is often under-recognized due to nonspecific histopathological and clinical features and limited referral for genetic testing, which remains the gold standard for diagnosis. In addition, due to technical difficulties, genetic testing for ADTKD-<em>MUC1</em> is not currently performed in multigene panels and cannot be obtained through whole exome or genome sequencing. Recent advances in kidney disease research underscore the critical role of comprehensive genetic testing in elucidating the molecular etiology of unsolved cases. However, challenges persist in the diagnosis of specific ADTKD subtypes, particularly those caused by pathogenic <em>MUC1</em> pathogenic variants. This review provides a detailed analysis of the genetic basis, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches for ADTKD, with an emphasis on the limitations in current testing methodologies for ADTKD-<em>MUC1</em>. We further explore recent advancements in our understanding of ADTKD and highlight future directions for improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care through enhanced genetic testing technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 37-47"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148007666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Genetic and Clinical Evaluation of Pediatric Cystic Kidney Diseases: Autosomal Dominant and Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease","authors":"Chloe Borden, Katherine M. Dell","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic kidney diseases are an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Most genetic cystic kidney diseases are “ciliopathies”, a group of disorders that share a common feature of abnormal structure or function of the primary cilia. Ciliopathies represent a broad range of clinically and genetically heterogenous disorders, which affect multiple organ systems. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) are the 2 most common etiologies, affecting 1:1000-2500 and 1:20,000-40,000 individuals, respectively. Although historically referred to as “adult” (ADPKD) and “infantile” (ARPKD) polycystic kidney disease, it is now understood that age at presentation is variable. Approximately 3% of ADPKD patients present with very early onset, severe features that mimic (“phenocopy”) typical ARPKD. Similarly, a minority of ARPKD cases present as late as young adulthood. Due to their heterogeneity, ADPKD, ARPKD, and other phenocopies, such as hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta-associated kidney disease, can be difficult to distinguish clinically, making molecular genetic testing a valuable diagnostic resource. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical and genetic spectrum and molecular diagnosis of cystic kidney diseases in children, with a specific focus on ADPKD and ARPKD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 27-36"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Federico Yandian, Fernando C. Fervenza, Fernando Caravaca-Fontán
{"title":"Complement 3 Glomerulopathy Revisited: Bridging Pathogenesis and Therapy in the New Era","authors":"Federico Yandian, Fernando C. Fervenza, Fernando Caravaca-Fontán","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complement 3 glomerulopathy is a rare and highly heterogeneous complement-mediated kidney disease characterized by the aberrant deposition of complement components in the glomeruli, triggering inflammation and contributing to progressive kidney function impairment. Despite recent advancements in understanding complement 3 glomerulopathy pathophysiology, therapeutic options remain limited. Current treatments often fail to prevent poor outcomes, with 30-50% of adult patients progressing to kidney failure and high rates of disease recurrence following kidney transplantation. Genetic studies have revealed that variants in complement regulators and effectors contribute to disease susceptibility in a subset of patients, although autoantibody-driven mechanisms account for most cases. Encouraging results from recent clinical trials provide hope for improving the overall prognosis of this entity, yet critical knowledge gaps persist. This review explores the heterogeneity of complement 3 glomerulopathy and examines the emerging therapeutic landscape, highlighting advancements in the management of this complex condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 78-91"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Grainne Butler, Cathy Quinlan, Michelle N. Rheault
{"title":"Collagen Genes–Related Glomerular Disease","authors":"Grainne Butler, Cathy Quinlan, Michelle N. Rheault","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alport syndrome is a genetic kidney disease caused by variants in genes encoding the ⍺3, ⍺4, or ⍺5 isoforms of type IV collagen leading to hematuria, proteinuria, and CKD in many, but not all, affected patients. Variants in type IV collagen genes have been increasingly recognized and may affect up to 1 in 106 people. There is wide phenotypic variability depending on inheritance pattern (autosomal recessive vs autosomal dominant vs X-linked vs digenic), sex of the affected individual, specific variant, and other as yet unidentified factors. This review examines the genotype/phenotype correlation for individuals with type IV collagen variants. We also review recommendations for who should be tested for type IV collagen variants as well as strategies for predicting pathogenicity of a variant once identified. Finally, we provide recommendations for monitoring of individuals with type IV collagen variants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 71-77"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Use of Genetic Testing in the Management and Treatment of Kidney Stones","authors":"Trisha Laxamana, Niveda Shekar, David S. Goldfarb","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The role of genetic testing for kidney stone formers remains incompletely resolved. The purpose of this paper is to review the role of genetics in kidney stone disease and provide guidance on the utility of genetic testing to overall reduce the burden of the disease for our patients. Genetic testing is a send-out laboratory test for most medical centers in the United States. However, access to such testing has been easier with options for genetic kit delivery to health care offices and even conveniently to patients’ homes. The rise of genetic testing in medicine has advanced the field of nephrology in general and kidney stones specifically. It is our aim to provide basic knowledge on the approach to kidney stone disease to physicians, especially nephrologists and nephrology fellows, while also considering the appropriateness of genetic testing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 103-109"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrating Genetics Into Nephrology Practice: A New Standard of Care?","authors":"Xiangling Wang, Anthony Bleyer, Neera Dahl","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.007","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.03.007","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"After the Diagnosis","authors":"Anthony J. Bleyer, Stanislav Kmoch","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The diagnosis of a rare genetic disease begins an odyssey toward treatment and cure for patients, clinicians, and researchers. Even though a treatment may not have been identified, there are many ways in which the clinician can help the patient. Information available to patients and their participation in research is dependent on how many individuals have previously been diagnosed with the condition and how much prior research has been conducted. When only a few cases have been reported, information will be limited to case reports, and each newly diagnosed patient is critical to learning about the disease. As more information becomes available, patient foundations form and researchers develop a long-term interest in the condition. In addition to informing the patient about diagnosis, prognosis, and the genetics of the underlying condition, clinicians should also help to guide the patient toward patient foundations and provide information about research participation to help better characterize the condition and find treatments. In rare disease research, each patient is important in providing clinical information as well as genetic and other biological samples for study. Researchers take this information provided by patients, analyze the data, and provide patients information about their condition. As patients and researchers work together, progress in research occurs, eventually leading to a treatment. The clinician, patient, clinical researcher, and basic scientist are all critical to success toward a potential therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"33 1","pages":"Pages 9-14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148304172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Resilience: An Acquired Skill in Nephrology.","authors":"Charuhas V Thakar","doi":"10.1053/j.akdh.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1053/j.akdh.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72096,"journal":{"name":"Advances in kidney disease and health","volume":"32 6","pages":"467-468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}