MicroRNA Gene Polymorphisms in Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract

Purpose: Pathogenesis of Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) is unknown. A strong genetic contribution is emphasized. In this study we investigated the role of microRNA gene polymorphism in CAKUT. Material and Methods: 147 patients with CAKUT [(Ureteropelvic junction obstruction n: 39, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (n: 37), renal parenchymal malformations (n: 43), anomalies of renal embryonic migration (n: 28)] and 51 healthy children were enrolled in the study. RNASEN, DGCR8, XPO5, RAN, DICER1, GEMIN3 gene polymorphisms were studied. Results: When the patient and control group were compared by polymorphisms no statistically significant difference was found. But GEMIN3 mutant allel frequency was significantly higher in VUR group than renal parenchymal malformation group. Conclusions: Mutant alleles of the GEMIN3 gene might be related to VUR pathogenesis within the context of the CAKUT spectrum. But studies with larger number of patients are required to delineate the association between CAKUT pathogenesis and microRNA gene polymorphisms.