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Single gene variant in donors may affect survival of transplanted kidneys

Variant linked to increased risk for long-term organ failure

2012-10-12
(Press-News.org) Highlights In the largest study of its kind, a variant within the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR-1) gene in kidney transplant donors was linked to a 69% increased risk for long-term failure of transplanted organs. This variant affects the expression of the protein that the MDR-1 gene encodes, which pumps drugs out of cells. (Immunosuppressant drugs are critical for preventing organ rejection but are also toxic to the kidneys.)

Washington, DC (October 11, 2012) — A single genetic variant in kidney donors' cells may help determine whether their transplanted organs will survive long term, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The findings provide new information that might be used to improve transplant longevity by revealing that the genetic make-up of kidney transplant donors affects the survival of transplanted organs.

A transplant recipient must take lifelong immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the new organ, but these drugs can have serious side effects, including kidney damage. So, ironically, the very drugs needed to prevent kidney rejection can also be toxic to the kidneys. Research suggests that how well certain proteins pump these drugs out of kidney cells may influence the drugs' kidney toxicity.

Richard Borrows, MB (Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, in the UK) and his colleagues looked to see if variants in the genes that encode such pumps might influence the health of transplanted kidneys. They investigated the links between donor and recipient gene variants with kidney outcome among 811 immunosuppressant-treated kidney transplant recipients.

Among the major findings: One particular variant within the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR-1) gene in donors was linked to a 69% increased risk for long-term failure of transplanted organs. The researchers validated the link in another 3,660 donors, making this the largest study of its kind. This variant affects the expression of the protein that the MDR-1 gene encodes, the drug transporter P-glycoprotein. No other genetic variants in donors or recipients were linked with organ survival or failure.

"The study of donor, as opposed to recipient, gene variation is relatively uncommon in the field of transplantation, and it certainly warrants more attention," said Dr. Borrows. He added that a single genetic variant probably has limited effect on its own, but when combined, multiple genetic variants may play an important role in transplant longevity.

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Study co-authors include Jason Moore, MBBS, Amy Jayne McKnight, PhD, Bernd Döhler, PhD, Matthew Simmonds, PhD, Aisling Courtney, PhD, Oliver Brand, PhD, David Briggs, PhD, Simon Ball, PhD, Paul Cockwell, PhD, Christopher Patterson, PhD, Alexander Maxwell, PhD, Stephen Gough, PhD, and Gerhard Opelz, PhD.

Disclosures: The authors reported no financial disclosures.

The article, entitled "Donor ABCB1 Variant Associates with Increased Risk for Kidney Allograft Failure," will appear online at http://jasn.asnjournals.org/ on October 11, 2012, doi: 10.1681/ASN.2012030260.

The content of this article does not reflect the views or opinions of The American Society of Nephrology (ASN). Responsibility for the information and views expressed therein lies entirely with the author(s). ASN does not offer medical advice. All content in ASN publications is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This content should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health care provider if you have any questions about a medical condition, or before taking any drug, changing your diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Do not ignore or delay obtaining professional medical advice because of information accessed through ASN. Call 911 or your doctor for all medical emergencies.

Founded in 1966, and with more than 13,500 members, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) leads the fight against kidney disease by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating the highest quality care for patients.

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[Press-News.org] Single gene variant in donors may affect survival of transplanted kidneys
Variant linked to increased risk for long-term organ failure