John A Sayer | PubMed Health

PubMed2026

Role and relevance of genetic testing in patients with kidney stones: a review from EAU Section of Endourology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kidney stones have a high heritability. More than 40 genes have been identified causing monogenic forms of kidney stone disease (KSD). Kidney stone formers with genetic variants implicated in monogenic forms of KSD often suffer from early onset, high recurrence rates, and chronic kidney disease. Some patients may also exhibit extrarenal disease requiring attention. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent analysis of KSD patients identified a likely monogenic cause in pediatric populations in 17-30% of participants while in adult unselected populations 2.7-8% had a positive finding. More patients carry single genetic variants in monogenic forms that are classically considered as autosomal recessive but may cause an intermediate genetic risk for the development of KSD possibly in interaction with environmental or lifestyle factors. Genome-wide association studies have identified additional risk loci associating with KSD. Their clinical relevance are currently investigated. Patients with recurrent kidney stone episodes may be at elevated risk of progressive chronic kidney disease. SUMMARY: Monogenic causes of KSD are prevalent in patients less than 25 years of age and in some patients with high-risk metabolic profiles. These patients should undergo genetic testing to enable a precise molecular genetic diagnosis and personalized therapy as well as family counseling and screening.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Using Large Genomic Biobanks to Generate Insights into Genetic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 9% of the global population, leading to increased risks of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality. Patients with CKD are a huge burden on health care resources globally. CKD is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and traditional risk factors. Family studies have suggested heritability rates for CKD ranging from 30% to 75%, and large genomic biobank studies have proven essential in identifying genes with substantial effects on CKD risk and in capturing cumulative genetic risk through polygenic risk scores. These biobanks are crucial for discovering new genes associated with kidney health and disease, and their growing size enhances the power to detect novel genetic associations. Integrating multi-omics technologies such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics further enriches our understanding of CKD, while advanced computational tools continue to expand our insights into genetic data. Polygenic risk scores, derived from hundreds of genetic variants with small effect sizes, can help identify individuals at high risk of CKD. Genomic biobanks offer valuable opportunities for early identification and personalized treatment of monogenic kidney disorders, such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and Alport syndrome. These biobanks help fill knowledge gaps, particularly in individuals with milder or asymptomatic presentations who are often underrepresented in traditional studies. Expanding genomic biobank efforts globally, especially in diverse populations, is vital to enhancing our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of kidney disease. This review highlights the significant contributions of genomic biobanks to advancing our comprehension of the genetics of CKD.

Humans↗