Lessons from CKD-Related Genetic Association Studies-Moving Forward

Over the past decade, genetic association studies have uncovered numerous determinants of kidney function in the general, diabetic, hypertensive, CKD, ESRD, and GN-based study populations (e.g., IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, FSGS). These studies have led to numerous novel and unanticipated findings, which are helping improve our understanding of factors and pathways affecting both normal and pathologic kidney function. In this review, we report on major discoveries and advances resulting from this rapidly progressing research domain. We also predict some of the next steps the nephrology community should embrace to accelerate the identification of genetic and molecular processes leading to kidney dysfunction, pathophysiologically based disease subgroups, and specific therapeutic targets, as we attempt to transition toward a more precision-based medicine approach.

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