From Genetic to Molecular Basis of Kidney Diseases

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2025 | Viewed by 1095

Special Issue Editor


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Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Translation Medical Sciences, University of Campania “LuigiVanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: chronic renal failure; molecular biology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Kidney diseases are complex and require a translational research approach to be fully understood. As we delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms, we are on the verge of significant breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This Special Issue explores the latest research on the molecular and genetic aspects of kidney diseases, providing new insights and innovative approaches to address these health challenges.

From discovering new genetic mutations to understanding the molecular pathways that drive kidney diseases onset and progression, the articles in this Issue will highlight the remarkable progress being made in nephrology. By bridging the gap between basic science and clinical practice, we aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of kidney diseases that will lead to personalized medicine and targeted therapies.

We invite original papers, reviews, meta-analyses, and case series covering all aspects of chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), glomerulonephritis, rare renal diseases, and onconephrological implications in a translational manner for this exciting Special Issue.

Dr. Mariadelina Simeoni
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • renal rare diseases
  • chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • acute kidney injury (AKI)
  • glomerulonephritis
  • onconephrology
  • inherited glomerulopathies and tubulopathies
  • cardio-nephrology syndromes
  • neuro-nephrology syndromes
  • endocrine nephrology syndromes
  • Kidney transplantation 
  • Hemodialysis
  • Peritoneal dialysis

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

11 pages, 1286 KiB  
Review
Toxoplasma Gondii Replication During Belatacept Treatment in Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
by Raffaella Vigilante, Raafiah Izhar, Rossella Di Paola, Ananya De, Rosa Maria Pollastro, Giovanna Capolongo, Giulio Viceconte and Mariadelina Simeoni
Genes 2025, 16(4), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16040391 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 269
Abstract
Belatacept is a chimeric protein that acts as a selective blocker of T-lymphocyte co-stimulation. It has been proposed for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection. This paper reports a literature review on pharmacological characteristics of belatacept and genetic factors influencing its efficacy and [...] Read more.
Belatacept is a chimeric protein that acts as a selective blocker of T-lymphocyte co-stimulation. It has been proposed for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection. This paper reports a literature review on pharmacological characteristics of belatacept and genetic factors influencing its efficacy and safety profile. A severe case of neurotoxoplasmosis observed in a kidney transplant recipient (KTR) treated with belatacept is also described. It appears that the interference of belatacept on guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) expression in antigen-presenting cells (APC) cytoplasm could be involved in Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo-g) reactivation in seropositive KTRs. Additionally, genetic variations in immune regulatory genes encoding CTLA-4 and Blimp-1 may influence individual susceptibility to infection and immune modulation under belatacept therapy. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of drug avoidance and/or increased surveillance in Toxo-g IgG-positive KTR. We also retain that further studies on the host defense pathways involved in the surveillance of opportunistic pathogens in KTR are strongly desirable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Genetic to Molecular Basis of Kidney Diseases)
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35 pages, 768 KiB  
Review
Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract in Down Syndrome: Prevalence, Phenotypes, Genetics and Clinical Management
by Mirela Leskur, Dario Leskur, Sandra Marijan, Luka Minarik and Bernarda Lozić
Genes 2025, 16(3), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16030245 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 673
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the most common survivable autosomal aneuploidy, is associated with a high prevalence of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), significantly increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review examines the diversity of CAKUT phenotypes reported [...] Read more.
Down syndrome (DS), the most common survivable autosomal aneuploidy, is associated with a high prevalence of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), significantly increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review examines the diversity of CAKUT phenotypes reported in individuals with DS, focusing on anomalies affecting the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra. According to available literature, hydronephrosis is the most common renal anomaly, often secondary to other CAKUT phenotypes, followed by renal hypoplasia and glomerulocystic disease. Furthermore, obstructive uropathies are also frequent but usually lack detailed characterization in the literature. Key features of CAKUT in DS, including reduced kidney size, renal cystic diseases, acquired glomerulopathies, reduced nephron number, and immature glomeruli heighten the risk of CKD. Also, early detection of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is critical to prevent progressive upper urinary tract damage and CKD. Despite the prevalence of CAKUT in DS, reported between 0.22% and 21.16%, there is a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, consistent terminology, and extended follow-up studies. Systematic screening from infancy, including regular renal monitoring via urinalysis and ultrasound, plays a critical role in the timely diagnosis and intervention of CAKUT. To further enhance diagnostic accuracy and develop effective therapeutic strategies, increased awareness and focused research into the genetic factors underlying these anomalies are essential. Moreover, a multidisciplinary approach is indispensable for managing CAKUT and its associated complications, ultimately ensuring better long-term outcomes and an improved quality of life for individuals with DS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Genetic to Molecular Basis of Kidney Diseases)
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