Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function
11:50

Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function

Published on: November 4, 2016

11.6K

Differentiating Primary, Genetic, and Secondary FSGS in Adults: A Clinicopathologic Approach

An S De Vriese1, Sanjeev Sethi2, Karl A Nath3

  • 1Division of Nephrology, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende, Brugge, Belgium; an.devriese@azsintjan.be fervenza.fernando@mayo.edu.

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|January 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) classification is challenging due to diverse causes. This review highlights clinical and histologic features, including genetic analysis, to improve FSGS subtype identification and patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pathology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a renal histologic lesion with varied etiologies, all involving podocyte injury.
  • FSGS subclasses (primary, genetic, secondary) share features but differ in management and prognosis.
  • Current diagnostic methods lack a reliable non-genetic biomarker for precise FSGS subtyping, complicating patient classification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical and histologic features aiding in the identification of specific FSGS subtypes.
  • To discuss the utility of electron microscopy and genetic analysis in differentiating FSGS forms.
  • To advocate for a systematic patient evaluation approach to enhance therapeutic outcomes and clinical trial design.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations, including proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome onset/severity.
  • Analysis of light and electron microscopy findings, focusing on podocyte effacement.
  • Discussion of genetic analysis, including next-generation sequencing, for unclassified FSGS cases.

Main Results:

  • No single light microscopic feature is pathognomonic for any FSGS subcategory.
  • Electron microscopy can help distinguish primary from maladaptive FSGS but is less useful for genetic forms.
  • Genetic analysis is recommended when clinicopathologic assessment is insufficient for classification.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate FSGS subtyping is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.
  • Integrating clinical, histologic, and genetic data offers a more systematic approach to FSGS evaluation.
  • Improved patient stratification through comprehensive assessment will advance FSGS research and treatment.
Keywords:
FSGSPrimarySecondarygenetic renal diseasenephrotic syndrome

More Related Videos

Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis09:03

Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis

Published on: October 23, 2013

13.3K
Ultrasonic-augmented Primary Adult Fibroblast Isolation06:51

Ultrasonic-augmented Primary Adult Fibroblast Isolation

Published on: July 29, 2019

8.3K

Related Concept Videos

Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots03:02

Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

Vascular plants, which account for over 90% of the Earth’s vegetation, all undergo primary growth—which lengthens roots and shoots. Many land plants, notably woody plants, also undergo secondary growth—which thickens roots and shoots.
60.7K
Primary and Secondary Reinforcers01:23

Primary and Secondary Reinforcers

In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
1.1K
Secondary Active Transport01:55

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
138.4K
Secondary Healthcare System01:11

Secondary Healthcare System

Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
2.1K
Secondary Distribution01:25

Secondary Distribution

Secondary distribution systems provide electrical energy at the utilization voltage levels from distribution transformers to customer meters. Typical secondary voltages in the United States include 120/240 V for residential use, 208Y/120 V for residential and commercial use, and 480Y/277 V for industrial and high-rise commercial use.
In residential areas, 120/240 V single-phase, three-wire service is commonly used for lighting, outlets, and large appliances. Urban areas with high-density loads...
585
Adult Stem Cells01:33

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce more stem cells or progenitor cells that differentiate into mature, specialized cell types. All the cells in the body are generated from stem cells in the early embryo, but small populations of stem cells are also present in many adult tissues including the bone marrow, brain, skin, and gut. These adult stem cells typically produce the various cell types found in that tissue—to replace cells that are damaged or to continuously...
33.9K