Altered expression of Crb2 in podocytes expands a variation of CRB2 mutations in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Background: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder for which more than 25 single-gene hereditary causes have been identified.

Methods: Whole exome sequencing was performed in a 3-year-old girl with SRNS. We analyzed the expression of Crb2 and slit diaphragm molecules in the patient's glomeruli, and compared it with that of controls or other nephrotic patients.

Results: Whole-exome analysis identified novel compound heterozygous mutations in exons 10 and 12 of CRB2 (p.Trp1086ArgfsX64 and p.Asn1184Thr, each from different parents; Asn1184 within extracellular 15th EGF repeat domain). Renal pathology showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with effaced podocyte foot processes in a small area, with significantly decreased Crb2 expression. Molecules critical for slit diaphragm were well-expressed in this patient's podocytes. Crb2 expression was not altered in the other patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome with NPHS1 mutations.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Crb2 abnormalities caused by these mutations are the mechanism of steroid-resistant NS. Although CRB2 mutations previously found in SRNS patients have been clustered within the extracellular tenth EGF-like domain of this protein, the present results expand the variation of CRB2 mutations that cause SRNS.

Keywords: Crb2; Podocyte; Slit diaphragm; Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.