X-Linked Glomerulopathy Due to COL4A5 Founder Variant

Generation of a COL4A5 heterozygous mutation human embryonic stem cell line (WAe009-A-58) using an episomal vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 system

X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is the second most common inherited kidney disease which pathogenic variants related to a mutation in the COL4A5 gene encoding the type IV collagen α5 chain. Here, we have generated a COL4A5 heterozygous mutant human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line (H9-COL4A5^+/-) by an episomal vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 system. The generated H9-COL4A5^+/- maintained a normal stem cell morphology, stably expressed pluripotent markers, and could differentiate into all three germ layers in vivo. This cell line offers an in vitro efficient platform to explore pathogenic mechanisms in XLAS and provides a cell-based disease model for drug testing.

Long-term outcome among females with Alport syndrome from a single pediatric center

BACKGROUND

Alport syndrome (AS) is a multisystem condition which can result in progressive kidney disease, hearing loss, and ocular changes. X-linked inheritance is observed in 85% of affected individuals. As a result, most prior studies have focused on males. Girls with AS can also be symptomatic although historically thought to have few clinical manifestations in childhood. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical presentation and course of females with AS.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study of all young females with AS between January 1, 1987, and May 20, 2019. Subjects were identified using ICD-9/10 diagnosis codes for AS, familial hematuria, or nephritis. Clinical data were extracted by retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

Thirty-six female patients were included in the analysis. Mean age at presentation was 5.58 ± 3.0 years, and mean follow-up was 5.9 ± 3.9 years. Twenty-nine patients (80%) had a family history of AS. At end of the follow-up period, gross hematuria was observed in 15 patients (42%), 20 (56%) developed proteinuria, and 2 (6.7%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min/1.73m² with one patient developing stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Four of the twenty-seven (14.8%) who underwent audiologic testing had an abnormal exam.

CONCLUSIONS

Known family histories of AS or gross hematuria were the most common reasons for the initial presentation in our cohort. Development of proteinuria, eGFR < 90 ml/min/1.73m², and abnormal audiology exam are not exceptional findings, suggesting that close monitoring of young females into adulthood is warranted.

A novel missense mutation of COL4A5 gene alter collagen IV α5 chain to cause X-linked Alport syndrome in a Chinese family

BACKGROUND

X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is the most common form of Alport syndrome (AS), involves mutations in the COL4A5 gene encoding the type IV collagen a5 chain. In this research, we will report the analysis of the COL4A5 gene in a Chinese family with XLAS, and investigate the effect of the missense mutation of this family on type IV collagen.

METHODS

Targeted sequencing using next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted for genes (COL4A3/4/5). Normal and mutation COL4A5 plasmids were constructed and then transfected into human podocytes, none plasmid and empty plasmid transfection as control. And then real-time PCR, western blot and indirect immunofluorescence were used to detect the COL4A1/3/5 mRNA, protein, and immunofluorescence expression of each group.

RESULTS

In this study, we found an Alport family, and the whole exon sequencing found a new missense mutation c.1844G>C in exon 25. The results of real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence showed that in the mutation group, both the mRNA and protein levels of COL4A5 were significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

c.1844G>C is a functional variation of COL4A5, which might play a very important role in the occurrence and development of AS.

From podocyte biology to novel cures for glomerular disease

The podocyte is a key component of the glomerular filtration barrier. Podocyte dysfunction is central to the underlying pathophysiology of many common glomerular diseases, including diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis and genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome. Collectively, these conditions affect millions of people worldwide, and account for the majority of kidney diseases requiring dialysis and transplantation. The 12th International Podocyte Conference was held in Montreal, Canada from May 30 to June 2, 2018. The primary aim of this conference was to bring together nephrologists, clinician scientists, basic scientists and their trainees from all over the world to present their research and to establish networks with the common goal of developing new therapies for glomerular diseases based on the latest advances in podocyte biology. This review briefly highlights recent advances made in understanding podocyte structure and metabolism, experimental systems in which to study podocytes and glomerular disease, disease mediators, genetic and immune origins of glomerulopathies, and the development of novel therapeutic agents to protect podocyte and glomerular injury.