Share

Genetic mutation causes kidney defects

accreditation
iStock

Scientists say they've identified a genetic mutation that causes kidney and urinary tract defects.

This is a common type of birth defect, and the leading cause of kidney failure in children.

Columbia University researchers studied a family on the island of Sardinia with inherited kidney and urinary tract defects. Several members of the family had suffered kidney failure at a young age. All of the family members with kidney and urinary tract defects had a mutation in a gene called dual serine/threonine and tyrosine protein kinase (DSTYK).

Single-gene cause

The researchers then looked at 311 unrelated people with urinary tract defects from around Europe. They found that seven of them had DSTYK mutations, according to the study published online July 17 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"These findings indicate that DSTYK mutations account for 2.2% of urinary tract defects in humans, which is very significant as a single-gene cause of this disease," study author Dr Simone Sanna-Cherchi said in a Columbia University Medical Center news release.

Some people with inherited urinary tract defects have kidney failure at birth, while in others the defects are not evident until complications arise, sometimes years later. The discovery of this gene mutation will enable doctors to identify people with the mutation.

The research team plans to do more genetic testing to identify other mutations that can cause urinary tract defects.

More information

The National Kidney Foundation has more about kidney and urinary tract birth defects.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE