[Clinical and genetics aspects of Alport syndrome]

Rev Med Suisse. 2006 Mar 1;2(55):593-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Microscopic haematuria of glomerular origin, without known aetiology, should raise the suspicion of Alport Syndrome IASI in children as well as in adults. The genetic mutations causing AS lie in the genes encoding for the alpha3, alpha4 and alpha5 chains of the collagen type IV, the main constituent of glomerular basement membranes (GBM). The various mutations and modes of transmission of the disease account for the heterogeneous clinical presentations. No specific treatment of AS is currently available. However, a better understanding of the GBM's ultrastructure, in particular of type IV collagen, will hopefully enable the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Decision Trees
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nephritis, Hereditary / diagnosis*
  • Nephritis, Hereditary / genetics*
  • Pedigree