Hidden genetics behind glomerular scars: an opportunity to understand the heterogeneity of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?

Abstract

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a complex disease which describes different kinds of kidney defects, not exclusively linked with podocyte defects. Since nephrin mutation was first described in association with early-onset nephrotic syndrome (NS), many advancements have been made in understanding genetic patterns associated with FSGS. New genetic causes of FSGS have been discovered, displaying unexpected genotypes, and recognizing possible site of damage. Many recent large-scale sequencing analyses on patients affected by idiopathic chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure (KF) of unknown origin, or classified as FSGS, have revealed collagen alpha IV genes, as one of the most frequent sites of pathogenic mutations. Also, recent interest in complex and systemic lysosomal storage diseases, such as Fabry disease, has highlighted GLA mutations as possible causes of FSGS. Tubulointerstitial disease, recently classified by KDIGO based on genetic subtypes, when associated with UMOD variants, may phenotypically gain FSGS features, as well as ciliopathy genes or others, otherwise leading to completely different phenotypes, but found carrying pathogenic variants with associated FSGS phenotype. Thus, glomerulosclerosis may conceal different heterogeneous conditions. When a kidney biopsy is performed, the principal objective is to provide an accurate diagnosis. The broad spectrum of phenotypic expression and genetic complexity is demonstrating that a combined path of management needs to be applied. Genetic investigation should not be reserved only to selected cases, but rather part of medical management, integrating with clinical and renal pathology records. FSGS heterogeneity should be interpreted as an interesting opportunity to discover new pathways of CKD, requiring prompt genotype-phenotype correlation. In this review, we aim to highlight how FSGS represents a peculiar kidney condition, demanding multidisciplinary management, and in which genetic analysis may solve some otherwise unrevealed idiopathic cases. Unfortunately there is not a uniform correlation between specific mutations and FSGS morphological classes, as the same variants may be identified in familial cases or sporadic FSGS/NS or manifest a variable spectrum of the same disease. These non-specific features make diagnosis challenging. The complexity of FSGS genotypes requires new directions. Old morphological classification does not provide much information about the responsible cause of disease and misdiagnoses may expose patients to immunosuppressive therapy side effects, mistaken genetic counseling, and misguided kidney transplant programs.

Keywords: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; Genetics; Glomerular scars; Nephrotic syndrome.