Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Identifies Pathogenic Variants in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). For patients with diabetes and CKD, the underlying cause of their kidney disease is often assumed to be a consequence of their diabetes. Without histopathological confirmation, however, the underlying cause of their disease is unclear. Recent studies have shown that next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides a promising avenue toward uncovering and establishing precise genetic diagnoses in various forms of kidney disease. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Here, we set out to investigate the genetic basis of disease in nondiabetic kidney disease (NDKD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients by performing targeted NGS using a custom panel comprising 345 kidney disease-related genes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our analysis identified rare diagnostic variants based on ACMG-AMP guidelines that were consistent with the clinical diagnosis of 19% of the NDKD patients included in this study. Similarly, 22% of DKD patients were found to carry rare pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in kidney disease-related genes included on our panel. Genetic variants suggestive of NDKD were detected in 3% of the diabetic patients included in this study. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings suggest that rare variants in kidney disease-related genes in a diabetic background may play a role in the pathogenesis of DKD and NDKD in patients with diabetes.