ABSTRACT

During the last two decades, developments in molecular biology and genetics have caused a revolution in medi-cine. Advances in gene cloning, gene mapping, and mutation analysis have contributed to an incredible amount of new information regarding the biological and pathophysiological basis for human diseases including kidney diseases. In ‘monogenic diseases”, a mutation of a single gene is sufficient to cause the disease. Conversely, in poly-genic disorders, mutations of multiple genes are necessary to result in a disease. Progressive chronic kidney dis-ease remains a major challenge in nephrology. Genome-wide expression analysis of disease processes has been pioneered in onco logy, and molecular approaches have now been included in the initial diagnosis. Although we still have difficulties in sample analyses of the kidneys, some of the molecular diagnostic approaches are now used routinely in nephrology as well. In this review, recent developments in the field of the molecular bases of kidney diseases will be addressed. (Gazi Med J 2011; 22: 118-23)