Genetic FLAW Behind Common Kidney Disease: Are You at Risk? 

United States: A fundamental scientific discovery emerged from research scientists at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine (WMed). 

The team led by Dr. Erik Larson, Department of Biomedical Sciences vice chair, used eight years of basic research to discover the source of this widespread kidney disease, according to WMed’s press release. 

More about the news 

Recent research reports suggest Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease affects 400 to 1,000 people per thousand. 

Kidney cyst development emerges as the primary identifying symptom of polycystic kidney disease in overweight patients. Medical professionals have not been able to find any treatments that solve this disease condition. 

The major symptoms of this disease will eventually become fatal for patients, according to Dr. Gregory Vanden Heuvel, who holds the positions of associate dean for foundational research and professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. 

Kalamazoo researchers have discovered what causes a common kidney disease https://t.co/7RVXeBHLdT

— Kalamazoo Gazette (@Kzoo_Gazette) January 27, 2025

What more are the experts stating? 

Parents often fail to recognize how they transmit the condition to their children until their offspring start displaying symptoms between the ages of 20 and 30. 

People with this disease experience back pain in their lower region combined with blood appearing in their urine, according to Vanden Heuvel. 

“They go to the doctor to find out what’s going on, and they discover that they have cystic kidneys,” he added. 

All persons with the illness contain a genetically flawed DNA sequence. All human beings carry two versions of each gene located in their DNA sequence. 

Human beings without End Stage Renal Disease have two functional non-mutated DNA genes. According to Vanden Heuvel, anyone who inherits the dominant mutant gene will inevitably develop the disease. 

Furthermore, as Vanden Heuvel stated, “Over time, the kidneys will shut down,” mlive.com reported. 

The medical complications of the disease spread outside of the kidneys, affecting both the liver, pancreas, and blood vessels. 

The next question for researchers: “Since we’ve identified the cause, can we find a molecule that prevents (the mutation) from happening and reduces the risk of cyst formation?” Larson stated. 

The transformation of normal cells into cysts occurs whenever the two genes become genetically altered. 

Analysis by Larson’s research group revealed specific genetic elements that trigger gene mutation. 

Scientists advanced their efforts to find a cure for common kidney disease following this recent discovery, according to the release. The search for prevention techniques has initiated its groundwork, according to Dr. Larson.