Mutations in the gene encoding inverted formin FH2 and WH2 domain-containing protein (INF2), a Cdc42 effector involved in the regulation of actin dynamics, cause focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy combined with FSGS (FSGS-CMT).
That the tyrosine kinase regulation of FSGS mutation binding to actin filaments can occur in cells was shown by phosphorylation on Y4 and Y31 of the K225E after extended exposure of cells to EGF, with a decrease in ACTN4 aggregates in fibroblasts.
To quantify the contribution of various genes contributing to FSGS, we sequenced INF2 where all mutations have previously been described (exons 2 to 5) in a total of 215 probands and 281 sporadic individuals with FSGS, along with other known genes accounting for autosomal dominant FSGS (ACTN4, TRPC6, and CD2AP) in 213 probands.
Mutations in alpha-actinin-4 have been linked to familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common renal disorder in humans, and produce an apparent increase in the actin-binding affinity of alpha-actinin-4 in vitro.
Mutations in the ACTN4 gene, encoding the actin-binding protein α-actinin-4, are a rare cause of autosomal dominant familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
This newly developed mouse model of human ACTN4-associated FSGS suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between actin cytoskeleton dysregulation by mutant alpha-actinin-4 and the deterioration of the nephrin-supported slit diaphragm complex.
We analyzed these reported mutations in ACTN4 and podocin in five patients with chronic renal failure due to therapy-resistant FSGS by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products of ACTN4 and podocin.
Synonymous mutations or protein expression losses in ACTN4 are associated with kidney diseases, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, characterized by proteinuria and podocyte injury.
Familial and genetic forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are associated with six different mutations in genes affecting the podocyte (NPHS2, ACTN4, CD2AP, WT1, TRPC6, and PLCE1).
We used genomic DNA of 48 patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and minimal change disease (MCD) to screen for ACTN4 mutations by high-resolution melting analysis (HRM).
Familial forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are caused by mutations in genes at 1q25-31 (gene for steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome 2 [NPHS2]), 11q21-22, 19q13 (gene for alpha-actinin 4 and NPHS1), and at additional unidentified chromosomal loci.
Her clinical presentation is different from previous descriptions of ACTN4 mediated FSGS, which is characterized by sub-nephrotic proteinuria and slow progression to end stage kidney disease.
The autosomal dominant form of FSGS is a heterogenic disease caused by mutations within three known genes: α-actinin 4 (ACTN4), canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6), and the inverted formin 2 (INF2) gene.
FSGS lesions resembling human FSGS developed spontaneously by 7 months of age, and could be induced earlier by accelerating kidney hypertrophy by nephrectomy.