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Published on: April 19, 2013
CUBN is a gene locus for albuminuria
Carsten A Böger1, Ming-Huei Chen, Adrienne Tin
1Department of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|March 1, 2011
Summary
A common genetic variant in the CUBN gene significantly associates with albuminuria levels. This finding impacts chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention strategies, especially for individuals with diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Nephrology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Albuminuria is a key indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression.
- Identifying genetic risk factors for albuminuria can refine CKD prevention, particularly in diabetic populations.
- Limited knowledge exists on common genetic variants influencing albuminuria across general and diabetic cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic susceptibility loci for albuminuria traits (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and microalbuminuria).
- To investigate the influence of common genetic variants on albuminuria in diverse populations, including those with and without diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data from the CKDGen and CARe Consortia (63,153 individuals of European ancestry).
- Analysis of candidate gene data from the CARe Consortium in African Americans.
- Longitudinal follow-up of participants with type 1 diabetes from the DCCT/EDIC Study.
Main Results:
- A missense variant (I2984V) in the CUBN gene was strongly associated with both urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and microalbuminuria in individuals of European ancestry.
- Similar associations were observed in African Americans.
- The CUBN variant showed a significant association with UACR and microalbuminuria irrespective of diabetes status in European ancestry individuals.
- This variant increased the risk of developing persistent microalbuminuria by 41% over 20 years in participants with type 1 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- A common missense variant in the CUBN gene is identified as a significant risk factor for albuminuria.
- This genetic variant influences albuminuria levels in both the general population and individuals with diabetes.
- The findings may inform targeted strategies for early CKD prevention.
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