Detection and functional characterization of genetic mutations in familial and sporadic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

• Grant number: 19/05266-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2019
• End date: December 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Gianna Mastroianni Kirsztajn
• Grantee: Gianna Mastroianni Kirsztajn
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Danilo Euclides Fernandes ; Fernanda Maria Serafim Casimiro ; João Bosco Pesquero ; Michelle Tiveron Passos Riguetti ; Patrícia Varela Calais

Abstract

Introduction: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and the steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in childhood can be caused by mutations in the genes encoding proteins that are essential for normal podocyte structure and/or function.Objectives: Search of mutations in familial FSGS and/or SRNS with onset in childhood in Brazilian patients; evaluation of pathogenicity of novel mutations by functional studies; implantation of the methodology in our service, as it would allow the clinical application in this and other familial glomerulopathies; definition of genotype-phenotype correlation for the mutations identified and and of the situations in which the genetic analysis would be indicated.Methods: Patients (and consanguineous relatives) with familial FSGS and/or children with SRNS will be included. The analysis of the genetic material will be performed by the exome technique and, if any changes are found, Sanger sequencing will be performed. The functional studies of the novel mutations it will be done by in silico analysis, podocyte characterization and/or gene expression analysis.Justificative: The study of mutations in this group of patients is necessary and not easily accessible in Brazil. Our service is reference in familial glomerulopathies and proper genetic evaluation may contribute to increase knowledge on such diseases and to improve healthcare of patients and their families. Genetic testing may be used to define prognosis, reproductive counseling, selection of appropriate therapies, and screening for donor eligibility among family members in kidney transplantation. (AU)

Scientific publications

(5)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

RIGUETTI, MICHELLE T. P.; VARELA, PATRICIA; FERNANDES, DANILO E.; POLITO, M. GORETTI; CASIMIRO, FERNANDA M.; PESQUERO, JOAO B.; MASTROIANNI-KIRSZTAJN, GIANNA. Familial Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis With Late-Onset Presentation and R229Q/R291W Podocin Mutations. FRONTIERS IN GENETICS, v. 11, SEP 16 2020. (19/05266-5, 14/27198-8)

GOMES, CAIO P.; FERNANDES, DANILO E.; CASIMIRO, FERNANDA; MATA, GUSTAVO F.; PASSOS, MICHELLE T.; VARELA, PATRICIA; MASTROIANNI-KIRSZTAJN, GIANNA; PESQUERO, JOAO BOSCO. Cathepsin L in COVID-19: From Pharmacological Evidences to Genetics. FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY, v. 10, DEC 8 2020. (14/27198-8, 19/05266-5)

FERNANDES, DANILO EUCLIDES; FERREIRA, PAULO ROBERTO ABRAO; MASTROIANNI KIRSZTAJN, GIANNA. Pre-exposure prophylaxis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: can PrEP prevent COVID-19-related symptoms?. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION, v. 148, p. 5-pg., 2020-01-01. (19/05266-5)

FERNANDES, DANILO EUCLIDES; RIGUETTI, MICHELLE T. P.; KIRSZTAJN, GIANNA MASTROIANNI. Face Mask Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak: How Did Educated Brazilians Behave?. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION, v. 35, n. 7, p. 991-996, SEP 2021. (19/05266-5)

NEVES, RAQUEL LEAO; BRANQUINHO, JESSICA; ARATA, JULIA GALANAKIS; BITTENCOURT, CLARISSA AZEVEDO; GOMES, CAIO PEREZ; RIGUETTI, MICHELLE; DA MATA, GUSTAVO FERREIRA; FERNANDES, DANILO EUCLIDES; ICIMOTO, MARCELO YUDI; KIRSZTAJN, GIANNA MASTROIANNI; et al. ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L enzymatic activities in COVID-19: imbalance of ACE2/ACE ratio and potential RAAS dysregulation in severe cases. Inflammation Research, v. 72, n. 8, p. 13-pg., 2023-08-03. (19/01487-7, 14/27198-8, 19/05266-5)