Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
Diagnosing kidney disease in the genetic era
Sindhuri Prakash1, Ali G Gharavi
1aDepartment of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA bRutgers Biomedical Health Sciences-NJMS, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Recent technological improvements have increased the use of genetic testing in the clinic. This review serves to summarize the many practical benefits of genetic testing, discusses various methodologies that can be used clinically, and exemplifies ways in which genetics is propelling the field forward in nephrology.
Recent Findings:
The advent of next-generation sequencing and microarray technologies has heralded an unprecedented number of discoveries in the field of nephrology, providing many opportunities for incorporating genomic diagnostics into clinical care. The use of genetic testing, particularly in pediatrics, can provide accurate diagnoses in puzzling cases, resolve misclassification of disease, and identify subsets of individuals with treatable conditions.
Summary:
Genetic testing may have broad benefits for patients and their families. Knowing the precise molecular etiology of disease can help clinicians determine the exact therapeutic course, and counsel patients and their families about prognosis. Genetic discoveries can also improve the classification of kidney disease and identify new targets for therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

