name: Nephronophthisis
creation_date: '2025-12-04T16:57:31Z'
updated_date: '2026-02-17T21:53:14Z'
category: Genetic
parents:
- Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease
- Ciliopathy
has_subtypes:
- name: Infantile Nephronophthisis
description: Early onset in infancy characterized by rapid progression to
end-stage renal disease.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Infantile nephronophtisis is a recessive autosomic
tubulo-interstitial nephritis with cortical microcysts which progress to
end stage renal failure before age 5.
explanation: The source indicates that infantile nephronophthisis is
characterized by early onset and rapid progression to end-stage renal
disease, supporting the statement.
- name: Juvenile Nephronophthisis
description: Most common form with onset in childhood and progressive renal
failure by adolescence.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Juvenile nephronophtisis, the most frequent, progress to end stage
renal failure before age 15.
explanation: The provided excerpt states that juvenile nephronophthisis is
the most frequent subtype and typically progresses to end-stage renal
failure by adolescence.
- reference: PMID:35570616
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is the most common genetic cause of kidney failure
in childhood... outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with primary
diagnosis of juvenile nephronophthisis...
explanation: The excerpt indicates that juvenile nephronophthisis is a
common pediatric kidney failure cause, aligning with 'most common form
with onset in childhood'.
- name: Adolescent Nephronophthisis
description: Later onset in teenage years with slower progression to renal
failure.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Adolescent nephronophtisis is a less frequent form of
nephronophtisis.
explanation: The term 'adolescent nephronophthisis' is noted, and it is
described as a less frequent form of nephronophthisis which is consistent
with later onset.
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Medullary cystic disease is transmitted as an autosomic dominant
trait. Clinical and histological signs are similar to nephronophthisis,
but the disease progress later to terminal renal failure and is not
accompanied by extra-renal symptoms.
explanation: Medullary cystic disease presents similar signs but progresses
later, implying a slower progression to renal failure, corroborating the
adolescent nephronophthisis description.
prevalence:
- population: Global
percentage: 0.1-1.0
evidence:
- reference: PMID:29717526
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease
and one of the most common genetic disorders causing end-stage renal
disease in children. Nephronophthisis is a genetically heterogenous
disorder with more than 25 identified genes. In 10%-20% of cases, there
are additional features of a ciliopathy syndrome, such as retinal defects,
liver fibrosis, skeletal abnormalities, and brain developmental disorders.
explanation: The provided literature discusses the genetic heterogeneity and
associated features of nephronophthisis but does not provide information
about its global prevalence.
- reference: PMID:25514144
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: According to the official health statistics, Taiwan has the highest
prevalence of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the world. Each year,
around 60,000 ESRD patients in Taiwan consume 6% of the national insurance
budget for dialysis treatment. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease
(CKD) has been climbing during 2008-2012.
explanation: The article discusses the prevalence of end-stage renal disease
in Taiwan but does not provide specific prevalence rates for
nephronophthisis.
pathophysiology:
- name: Ciliary Dysfunction
description: Mutations in NPHP genes disrupt the structure and function of
primary cilia, which are essential for cell signaling and homeostasis.
genes:
- preferred_term: NPHP1
term:
id: hgnc:7905
label: NPHP1
cellular_components:
- preferred_term: Primary Cilium
term:
id: GO:0005929
label: cilium
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell
term:
id: CL:1000494
label: nephron tubule epithelial cell
downstream:
- target: Impaired Cell Signaling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:19118152
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis (NPHP), a recessive cystic kidney disease...
Mutations in NPHP genes cause defects in signaling mechanisms that involve
the noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway and the sonic hedgehog signaling
pathway, resulting in defects of planar cell polarity and tissue
maintenance.
explanation: The provided snippet indicates that mutations in NPHP genes
affect mechanisms that disrupt cellular functions related to cilia,
supporting the statement that these mutations lead to impaired cilia.
- reference: PMID:34183231
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Mutations in genes encoding centriolar or ciliary proteins cause
diseases collectively known as 'ciliopathies'.
explanation: This statement refers to how ciliary protein gene mutations
cause related ciliopathies, aligning with impaired cilia as seen in
Nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:21113628
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Ciliary dysfunction has emerged as a common factor underlying the
pathogenesis of both syndromic and isolated kidney cystic disease, an
observation that has contributed to the unification of human genetic
disorders of the cilium, the ciliopathies.
explanation: The excerpt affirms that ciliary dysfunction is fundamental to
the development of various cystic kidney diseases, including
Nephronophthisis, caused by mutations affecting cilia.
- name: Impaired Cell Signaling
description: Defective primary cilia lead to disrupted signaling pathways
including Wnt, Hedgehog, EGFR, and Hippo/YAP pathways, affecting cell
differentiation, proliferation, and polarity.
pathways:
- preferred_term: Wnt Pathway
term:
id: GO:0016055
label: Wnt signaling pathway
- preferred_term: Hedgehog Pathway
term:
id: GO:0007224
label: smoothened signaling pathway
- preferred_term: EGFR Signaling
term:
id: GO:0038127
label: ERBB signaling pathway
- preferred_term: Hippo Signaling
term:
id: GO:0035329
label: hippo signaling
downstream:
- target: Abnormal Cell Proliferation
- target: DNA Damage and Senescence
evidence:
- reference: PMID:19186246
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Their importance for key developmental pathways such as Sonic
Hedgehog (Shh) and Wnt is beginning to emerge. The function of nodal
cilia, for example, is vital for breaking early embryonic symmetry, Shh
signaling is important for tissue morphogenesis and successful Wnt
signaling for organ growth and differentiation. When ciliary function is
perturbed...brains form improperly.
explanation: This reference supports the idea that disrupted cilia function
affects the Wnt and Hedgehog pathways, but it does not specify
nephronophthisis directly.
- reference: PMID:22206729
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Mutations of the ankyrin-repeat protein Inversin, a member of a
diverse family of more than 12 proteins, cause nephronophthisis
(NPH)...Most NPH gene products (NPHPs) localize to the cilium, and appear
to control the transport of cargo protein to the cilium by forming
functional networks.
explanation: This reference directly links nephronophthisis to defective
cilia and mentions involvement in pathways like Wnt signaling.
- reference: PMID:24162855
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: The primary cilium, a microtubule-based organelle that can serve as
a signaling antenna, has been demonstrated to have a significant role in
ensuring correct kidney development and function...one of the signaling
pathways that requires the cilium for normal development is Wnt signaling.
explanation: This reference supports the involvement of the primary cilium
in Wnt signaling but does not explicitly connect it to nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:20544799
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: mutation of proteins required for function of cilia often leads to
impaired Shh signaling and to disruption of neural tube closure.
explanation: This reference supports the idea that ciliary dysfunction
affects Hedgehog signaling but focuses on neural tube defects rather than
nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:35655331
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Ciliary dysfunction causes many human conditions termed
ciliopathies...ciliopathy spectrum could be the poster child for advances
and challenges in Mendelian human genetics over the past half
century...illustrates many core concepts of human genetics.
explanation: This reference supports the concept that defects in the primary
cilia affect key signaling pathways, including the ones mentioned, in the
context of nephronophthisis.
- name: Renal Tubular Dysfunction
locations:
- preferred_term: Renal Tubule
term:
id: UBERON:0009773
label: renal tubule
downstream:
- target: Polyuria
- target: Polydipsia
- target: Electrolyte Imbalance
- target: Interstitial Fibrosis
description: Ciliary dysfunction in renal tubular epithelial cells impairs
fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to polyuria and polydipsia.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21071979
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Nephronophthisis is a recessive disorder of the kidney that is the
leading cause of end-stage renal failure in children. Through positional
cloning, many of the causative mutations have been mapped to genes
involved in centrosome and cilia function.
explanation: The literature supports that nephronophthisis is related to
ciliary dysfunction, but it does not explicitly mention polyuria and
polydipsia as part of its pathophysiology.
- reference: PMID:16186680
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Renal tubular disorders may affect multiple (e.g., Fanconi
syndrome) or specific (e.g., nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, renal
glucosuria) tubular functions. Most conditions are primary and monogenic
but occasionally are secondary to other disorders.
explanation: The reference discusses renal tubular disorders, which can
result in polyuria and electrolyte imbalance, but it does not explicitly
link these to ciliary dysfunction in nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:9790573
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Cysts originate within the glomeruli and all tubular structures,
and their growth is the result of proliferation of incompletely
differentiated epithelial cells and the accumulation of fluid within the
cysts.
explanation: While the reference discusses fluid accumulation and cyst
formation in polycystic kidney disease, it does not directly link these to
nephronophthisis or explicitly mention polyuria.
- reference: PMID:18312782
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Overlapping clinical entities including situs inversus, certain
infertility disorders, as well as chronic respiratory infections have
their roots in abnormal ciliary function.
explanation: This reference supports the involvement of ciliary dysfunction
in various disorders but does not provide specific details on
nephronophthisis and its pathophysiology related to polyuria and
polydipsia.
- name: Interstitial Fibrosis
locations:
- preferred_term: Kidney Interstitium
term:
id: UBERON:0005215
label: kidney interstitium
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Renal Interstitial Fibroblast
term:
id: CL:1000692
label: kidney interstitial fibroblast
description: Chronic tubular dysfunction and inflammation lead to the
accumulation of extracellular matrix and progressive interstitial fibrosis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35533128
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Diagnosis is made by a positive genetic test, or a kidney biopsy
demonstrating chronic tubulointerstitial changes with thickening of the
tubular basement membranes.
explanation: The diagnosis of nephronophthisis includes tubulointerstitial
changes, which aligns with chronic tubular dysfunction and inflammation
leading to interstitial fibrosis.
- reference: PMID:31399984
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Renal interstitial lymphangiogenesis is found in patients with
chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a series of animal models of renal
fibrosis.
explanation: While the study focuses on lymphangiogenesis, it mentions renal
interstitial fibrosis related to chronic kidney disease, of which
nephronophthisis is a type.
- name: Renal Cyst Formation
locations:
- preferred_term: Renal Tubule
term:
id: UBERON:0009773
label: renal tubule
downstream:
- target: Renal Insufficiency
description: Abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation result in the
formation of cysts in the kidney tubules, contributing to the loss of renal
function.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: WRONG_STATEMENT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is a chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis which
progress to terminal renal failure.
explanation: The statement claims that abnormal cell proliferation and
differentiation result in cyst formation in nephronophthisis, but the
literature describes nephronophthisis as a chronic tubulo-interstitial
nephritis without indicating cyst formation due to abnormal cell
proliferation and differentiation as a characteristic pathophysiological
mechanism. Instead, it mentions cortical microcysts in infantile forms but
emphasizes interstitial fibrosis and tubular basement membrane changes.
- reference: PMID:25575298
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Almost all of proteins associated with a broad spectrum of human
cystic kidney diseases have been localized to the region in or around the
cilia.
explanation: While this reference discusses abnormal cilia structure and
function in cystic kidney diseases, it does not specifically address
nephronophthisis or the mechanism of abnormal cell proliferation and
differentiation leading to renal cyst formation in nephronophthisis.
- name: Renal Insufficiency
description: The combination of tubular dysfunction, interstitial fibrosis,
and cyst formation leads to a gradual decline in renal function and eventual
end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is a chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis which
progress to terminal renal failure... Histologic lesions concern tubular
basement membranes which are thickened and multilayered or thinned. There
is an associated interstitial fibrosis.
explanation: The provided excerpt mentions chronic tubulo-interstitial
nephritis (tubular dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis) and progression
to terminal renal failure, supporting the statement that these factors
contribute to ESRD.
- reference: PMID:10352410
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Progressive renal disease poses an increasing problem for the
medical community. Though the causes of end-stage renal failure are
multiple, the histologic pictures of chronic renal disease are remarkably
similar being characterized by interstitial infiltration, fibrosis,
tubular atrophy and dilatation.
explanation: This literature indicates the role of interstitial
infiltration, fibrosis, and tubular atrophy leading to ESRD, which
partially overlaps with the factors mentioned in the statement. However,
cyst formation specific to nephronophthisis was not explicitly mentioned.
- name: Extrarenal Manifestations
subtypes:
- Senior-Loken syndrome
locations:
- preferred_term: Liver
term:
id: UBERON:0002107
label: liver
- preferred_term: Retina
term:
id: UBERON:0000966
label: retina
- preferred_term: Brain
term:
id: UBERON:0000955
label: brain
description: Some forms of nephronophthisis, such as Senior-Loken syndrome,
may involve other organs due to the presence of primary cilia in various
tissues.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35533128
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease
caused by mutations in genes that encode proteins involved in the primary
cilia function, resulting in kidney disease and extrarenal manifestations
such as retinal degeneration and liver fibrosis.
explanation: The literature supports the involvement of the liver and retina
in nephronophthisis but does not mention the brain specifically in this
context.
- reference: PMID:32432520
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Senior-LΓΈken syndrome (SLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease
characterised by nephronophthisis and retinal degeneration, and belongs to
a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders known as the ciliopathies.
explanation: The literature supports the involvement of the retina in
Senior-Loken syndrome but does not mention the liver or brain specifically
in this context.
- reference: PMID:33306870
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Senior-Loken syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that presents with
nephronophthisis and retinal degeneration, leading to end-stage renal
disease and progressive blindness.
explanation: The literature supports the involvement of the retina in
Senior-Loken syndrome, which is a form of nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:35655331
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: The JS phenotype alone is caused by pathogenic variants in more
than 40 genes; remarkably, all of the associated proteins function in and
around the primary cilium.
explanation: This reference discusses the involvement of primary cilia in a
broader sense but does not specify the extrarenal manifestations like
those in Senior-Loken syndrome.
- name: Progression and Severity
description: The age of onset and rate of progression vary depending on the
specific NPHP gene mutations and the type of nephronophthisis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34828368
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: NPHP gene types present with some common pathophysiological
features alongside a diverse range of extra-renal phenotypes associated
with specific syndromic presentations.
explanation: The reference states that there is diversity in
pathophysiological features and extra-renal phenotypes among different
NPHP gene types, which supports the statement that the age of onset and
rate of progression vary.
- reference: PMID:35570616
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is the most common genetic cause of kidney failure
in childhood....Treatment for nephronophthisis is symptomatic, and kidney
transplant is a good treatment option when kidney failure has developed.
explanation: While this reference highlights the general management of
nephronophthisis, it implies variability in progression and severity since
not all individuals progress to kidney failure at the same rate.
- reference: PMID:35922195
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: All 6 children progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within
10 (4, 65) months of onset.
explanation: The reference indicates variability in the progression to
end-stage renal disease, supporting the statement regarding variable
progression rates depending on the specific NPHP gene mutations.
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: There are three main clinical forms of nephronophtisis which have
been associated with five gene defects. Juvenile nephronophtisis, the most
frequent, progress to end stage renal failure before age 15.
explanation: This reference identifies different clinical forms of
nephronophthisis, which progress at different rates, thus supporting the
statement on variability in age of onset and progression.
- name: Abnormal Cell Proliferation
description: Dysregulated cell division and growth
- name: DNA Damage and Senescence
description: NPHP1 deficiency impairs DNA damage repair, leading to increased
cellular senescence and contributing to interstitial fibrosis.
Nephrocystin-1 translocates to the nucleus after DNA damage stress.
locations:
- preferred_term: Nucleus
term:
id: GO:0005634
label: nucleus
- preferred_term: Renal Tubule
term:
id: UBERON:0009773
label: renal tubule
downstream:
- target: Interstitial Fibrosis
genes:
- preferred_term: NPHP1
term:
id: hgnc:7905
label: NPHP1
notes: Recent research shows nephrocystin-1 has nuclear functions in DNA
damage response beyond its ciliary role
- name: Aberrant Actin Remodeling and Hippo Activation
description: Ciliary dysfunction leads to aberrant RhoA signaling from the
centrosome, activating ROCK and engaging Hippo signaling. This contributes
to cystogenesis, fibrosis, and inflammation. GEF-H1 knockdown can rescue
phenotypes in NPHP1 models.
locations:
- preferred_term: Ciliary Base
term:
id: GO:0097546
label: ciliary base
- preferred_term: Centrosome
term:
id: GO:0005813
label: centrosome
pathways:
- preferred_term: Hippo Signaling
term:
id: GO:0035329
label: hippo signaling
- preferred_term: Actin Cytoskeleton Organization
term:
id: GO:0030036
label: actin cytoskeleton organization
downstream:
- target: Renal Cyst Formation
- target: Interstitial Fibrosis
notes: The cilia-actin-Hippo axis represents a convergent downstream effector
of ciliary dysfunction offering potential therapeutic targets
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal Recessive
evidence:
- reference: PMID:29717526
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease
and one of the most common genetic disorders causing end-stage renal
disease in children.
explanation: The literature clearly states that nephronophthisis follows an
autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
- reference: PMID:31810733
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: There is increasing appreciation of nephronophthisis (NPHP) as an
autosomal recessive cause of kidney failure and earlier stages of chronic
kidney disease among adults.
explanation: The literature confirms that nephronophthisis is inherited in
an autosomal recessive manner, even in cases diagnosed in adults.
- name: Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis
description: Progressive fibrosis of the kidney's tubulointerstitial region.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35533128
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease...
resulting in kidney disease and extrarenal manifestations such as retinal
degeneration and liver fibrosis.
explanation: The literature indicates that nephronophthisis involves chronic
tubulointerstitial changes compatible with fibrosis.
- reference: PMID:27169608
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (CTN) is characterized by
interstitial scarring, fibrosis and tubule atrophy, resulting in
progressive chronic kidney disease.
explanation: While the article discusses tubulointerstitial nephritis in
general, it supports the idea that fibrosis occurs in this region,
although it does not specifically discuss nephronophthisis.
phenotypes:
- category: Renal
name: Progressive Renal Failure
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
sequelae:
- target: End-Stage Renal Disease
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is a chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis which
progress to terminal renal failure.
explanation: This abstract describes nephronophthisis as a progressive renal
disease leading to end-stage renal failure, supporting the idea that
progressive renal failure is a frequent and diagnostic feature.
- reference: PMID:33323469
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis-related ciliopathies (NPHP-RC) account for the
majority of cases of monogenetically caused end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
in children.
explanation: This reference states that nephronophthisis-related
ciliopathies are a common cause of end-stage renal disease in children,
confirming that progressive renal failure and progression to ESRD is
common.
- reference: PMID:20969579
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: A Mendelian inheritance underlies a nonnegligible proportion of
hereditary kidney diseases, suggesting that the encoded proteins are
essential for maintenance of the renal function.
explanation: While the abstract primarily discusses hereditary kidney
diseases in general, it emphasizes the importance of kidney function
maintenance in genetic diseases, indirectly supporting the frequency and
importance of progressive renal failure in conditions like
nephronophthisis.
- category: Cardiovascular
name: Hypertension
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:17647025
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Among the causes of secondary hypertension are a group of disorders
with a Mendelian inheritance pattern. Recent advances in molecular biology
have unveiled the pathogenesis of hypertension in many of these
conditions.
explanation: While this reference mentions Mendelian forms of hypertension,
there is no specific mention of Nephronophthisis resulting in hypertension
or cardiovascular phenotypes generally.
- reference: PMID:20969579
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: A Mendelian inheritance underlies a nonnegligible proportion of
hereditary kidney diseases, suggesting that the encoded proteins are
essential for maintenance of the renal function.
explanation: This reference discusses hereditary kidney diseases and the
genetic mutations involved but does not mention Nephronophthisis or its
cardiovascular phenotypes including hypertension.
- reference: PMID:12589180
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Defective transduction of the dopamine receptor signal in the
kidney...
explanation: The article discusses the role of dopamine in the kidney and
its involvement in hypertension, but it does not address Nephronophthisis
or whether hypertension is a common cardiovascular phenotype in this
condition.
- reference: PMID:23402468
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for
cardiovascular disease. Antihypertensive treatment substantially reduces
the risk of heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction.
explanation: This article offers a general overview of hypertension and its
management but does not specifically mention Nephronophthisis or any
associated cardiovascular phenotypes.
- reference: PMID:16336577
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Nephrosclerosis, benign nephrosclerosis, and hypertensive kidney
disease are terms that clinicians use when renal damage is thought to be
secondary to essential hypertension.
explanation: While the article discusses hypertension in the context of
renal diseases, it does not specify an association between
Nephronophthisis and hypertension as a cardiovascular phenotype.
- reference: PMID:37910243
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Hypertension is common in children with CAKUT and increases the
risk of CKD.
explanation: This study focuses on congenital anomalies of the kidney and
urinary tract (CAKUT) and their association with hypertension, but it does
not discuss Nephronophthisis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypertension
term:
id: HP:0000822
label: Hypertension
- category: Hepatic
name: Fibrosis
frequency: OCCASIONAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35533128
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease
caused by mutations in genes that encode proteins involved in the primary
cilia function, resulting in kidney disease and extrarenal manifestations
such as retinal degeneration and liver fibrosis.
explanation: The literature mentions liver fibrosis as an extrarenal
manifestation of nephronophthisis, supporting the statement that hepatic
fibrosis is an occasional phenotype category of nephronophthisis.
- category: Ophthalmologic
name: Retinitis Pigmentosa
frequency: OCCASIONAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: 'Some children present with extrarenal symptoms: tapetoretinal degeneration
(Senior-Loken syndrome)...'
explanation: This reference indicates that tapetoretinal degeneration,
synonymous with retinitis pigmentosa in the context of this disease, is an
occasional extrarenal symptom of nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:25161209
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: The renal lesions were characterized by diffuse renal cyst
development with tubulointerstitial nephropathy...These renal and retinal
lesions are most similar to those associated with nephronophthisis (NPHP)
and retinitis pigmentosa in humans.
explanation: This reference directly confirms the association between
nephronophthisis and retinitis pigmentosa as occasional ophthalmologic
phenotypes.
- reference: PMID:37644229
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Eighty-two of the 86 pediatric-onset renal ciliopathies (95%) have
an ocular phenotype, including inherited retinal degeneration, oculomotor
disorders, and coloboma.
explanation: This indicates that ophthalmologic phenotypes, including
retinal degeneration, are common in pediatric renal ciliopathies including
nephronophthisis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Retinitis Pigmentosa
term:
id: HP:0000510
label: Rod-cone dystrophy
- category: Developmental
frequency: OCCASIONAL
name: Growth Retardation
notes: May be seen due to chronic kidney disease
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: 'Some children present with extrarenal symptoms: tapetoretinal degeneration
(Senior-Loken syndrome), mental retardation, cerebellar ataxia, bone anomalies
or liver involvement.'
explanation: The reference mentions extrarenal symptoms associated with
nephronophthisis but does not specifically mention growth retardation.
However, growth retardation could be inferred as a potential consequence
of chronic kidney disease.
- reference: PMID:30552565
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Growth retardation is a major feature of chronic kidney disease
(CKD) of onset in infants or children and is associated with increased
morbidity and mortality.
explanation: This reference supports the statement that growth retardation
is associated with chronic kidney disease, which can be a consequence of
nephronophthisis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Growth Retardation
term:
id: HP:0001510
label: Growth delay
- category: Musculoskeletal
frequency: OCCASIONAL
name: Bone Deformities
notes: Related to renal osteodystrophy from kidney failure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35533128
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease
caused by mutations in genes that encode proteins involved in the primary
cilia function, resulting in kidney disease and extrarenal manifestations
such as retinal degeneration and liver fibrosis.
explanation: The provided literature does not mention musculoskeletal issues
or bone deformities as part of the clinical manifestations of
nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:27219042
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Recent findings substantiate concern regarding the particular
vulnerability of the growing skeleton to chronic renal disease.
explanation: Although chronic kidney disease can lead to musculoskeletal
issues, the literature does not specifically link nephronophthisis to bone
deformities related to renal osteodystrophy.
- category: Endocrine
frequency: OCCASIONAL
name: Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
notes: Develops as a consequence of chronic renal failure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16966065
supports: REFUTE
snippet: Nephronophthisis is a chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis which
progress to terminal renal failure.
explanation: Nephronophthisis is a type of chronic tubulo-interstitial
nephritis and not an endocrine disorder. It primarily affects the kidneys
and progresses to terminal renal failure, but it is not categorized as an
endocrine disorder nor is it specifically associated with secondary
hyperparathyroidism.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
term:
id: HP:0000867
label: Secondary hyperparathyroidism
- category: Renal
name: Polyuria
frequency: FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Polyuria
term:
id: HP:0000103
label: Polyuria
- category: Systemic
name: Polydipsia
frequency: FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Polydipsia
term:
id: HP:0001959
label: Polydipsia
- category: Metabolic
name: Electrolyte Imbalance
frequency: FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Electrolyte Imbalance
term:
id: HP:0003111
label: Abnormal blood ion concentration
- category: Renal
name: End-Stage Renal Disease
frequency: FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: End-Stage Renal Disease
term:
id: HP:0003774
label: Stage 5 chronic kidney disease
biochemical:
- name: Serum Creatinine
presence: Elevated
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37930417
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney
disease and is one of the most frequent genetic causes for kidney failure
(KF) in children and adolescents.
explanation: Kidney failure implies elevated serum creatinine. This
reference indicates nephronophthisis is a frequent cause of kidney
failure, indirectly supporting elevated creatinine as a biochemical
finding.
- name: Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
presence: Elevated
evidence:
- reference: PMID:7272960
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Irreversible and progressive renal parenchymal damage and
functional impairment occurred in the majority of patients receiving at
least six courses (200 mg/m2 of BCNU and/or methyl CCNU at eight-week
intervals) of nitrosoureas for therapy of malignant brain tumors.
Seventeen of 18 patients who received at least six courses and all nine
patients who received more than ten courses developed impaired renal
function as judged by elevation of blood urea nitrogen and/or serum
creatinine or decrease in filtration rate as determined by inulin
clearance.
explanation: The literature supports elevated BUN as a marker of renal
damage but does not specify nephronophthisis. Thus, it's partially
supporting elevated BUN in cases of renal impairment.
- reference: PMID:26769764
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: 'CONCLUSIONS: We showed that elevation of BUN at discharge significantly
modified the relation between eGFR at discharge and the risk of all-cause mortality
after discharge, suggesting that the association between eGFR and outcomes may
be largely dependent on concomitant elevation of BUN.'
explanation: While the study highlights the relevance of elevated BUN in
patients with heart failure, it does not specifically address
nephronophthisis. Therefore, it partially supports the biochemical value.
- reference: PMID:21722602
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: 'CONCLUSION: Semiquantitative dipstick measurements of SUN can reliably
identify CKD patients with elevated BUN levels.'
explanation: This supports BUN as an indicator in chronic kidney disease
(CKD) but not specifically nephronophthisis. Hence, it gives partial
support.
genetic:
- name: NPHP1
association: Pathogenic Variants
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15138899
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Two siblings affected with a mild form of JS were found to have a
homozygous deletion of the NPHP1 gene identical, by mapping, to that in
subjects with NPHP alone.
explanation: The NPHP1 gene deletion is associated with juvenile
nephronophthisis, confirming the genetic link between NPHP1 and
nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:36990420
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Patients with pathogenic variants in CEP290 or IQCB1 presented
early with retinopathy, whereas other patients with INVS, NPHP3, or NPHP4
variants first developed nephropathy.
explanation: This reference supports the genetic association of
nephronophthisis with variants in several genes, highlighting NPHP1 among
the genes associated with nephropathy.
- name: NPHP3
association: Pathogenic Variants
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34212438
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: we detected a homozygous predicted synonymous allele in NPHP3 in
two children with hepatorenal fibrocystic disease from a consanguineous
family.
- reference: PMID:26184788
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Eight of 17 (47.1%) patients detected were identified to have
mutations in NPHP3.
- reference: PMID:36990420
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Patients with pathogenic variants in CEP290 or IQCB1 presented
early with retinopathy, whereas other patients with INVS, NPHP3, or NPHP4
variants first developed nephropathy.
- name: NPHP4
association: Pathogenic Variants
evidence:
- reference: PMID:14750102
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: 'Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive kidney disease... Four
genes responsible for different types of NPH have been identified: NPHP1, NPHP2,
NPHP3, and NPHP4.'
explanation: The literature identifies NPHP4 as one of the genes responsible
for different types of Nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:34591160
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis (NPHP) 4 gene encoding nephrocystin-4...
contributes to end-stage renal disease in children and young adults.
explanation: The literature indicates that NPHP4 is associated with
end-stage renal disease in Nephronophthisis, highlighting its pathogenic
role.
- reference: PMID:36990420
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Senior-Loken syndrome (SLSN) is an autosomal recessive disorder
characterized by retinopathy and nephronophthisis... Patients with
pathogenic variants in CEP290 or IQCB1 presented early with retinopathy,
whereas other patients with INVS, NPHP3, or NPHP4 variants first developed
nephropathy.
explanation: The literature mentions that patients with NPHP4 variants
develop nephropathy in the context of Nephronophthisis.
- name: INVS
association: Pathogenic Variants
notes: Also known as NPHP2, inversin protein antagonizes canonical WNT
signaling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:14750102
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: 'Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive kidney disease... Four
genes responsible for different types of NPH have been identified: NPHP1, NPHP2,
NPHP3, and NPHP4.'
explanation: The literature identifies NPHP2 (INVS) as one of the genes
responsible for different types of Nephronophthisis.
- reference: PMID:36990420
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Patients with pathogenic variants in CEP290 or IQCB1 presented
early with retinopathy, whereas other patients with INVS, NPHP3, or NPHP4
variants first developed nephropathy.
explanation: The literature confirms INVS variants are associated with
nephropathy in nephronophthisis.
- name: NEK8
association: Pathogenic Variants
notes: Also known as NPHP9, a NIMA-family ciliary kinase in the INV complex
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36990420
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Patients with pathogenic variants in CEP290 or IQCB1 presented
early with retinopathy, whereas other patients with INVS, NPHP3, or NPHP4
variants first developed nephropathy.
explanation: While this reference doesn't specifically mention NEK8, it
establishes the context of genetic heterogeneity in
nephronophthisis-related ciliopathies.
environmental:
- name: Not Applicable
notes: Nephronophthisis is primarily driven by genetic mutations.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15917209
supports: REFUTE
snippet: There has been tremendous progress in the past few years in
understanding the molecular basis of nephronophthisis, and it is now
evident that the disease is characterized by both clinical and genetic
heterogeneity.
explanation: This indicates that Nephronophthisis is primarily driven by
genetic mutations, not environmental factors.
- reference: PMID:20844548
supports: REFUTE
snippet: Nephronophthisis (NPHP) 4 gene coding nephrocystin-4 is involved in
the development of renal tubules and its congenital mutations cause
juvenile end-stage renal disease, NPHP.
explanation: This further supports that Nephronophthisis is caused by
genetic mutations and not by environmental factors.
- reference: PMID:29869359
supports: REFUTE
snippet: The patient had elevated liver enzymes and biopsy-proven liver
fibrosis. As liver synthesis was acceptable, only KT was performed.
However, liver fibrosis progressed at 1.5 years after transplantation,
manifested with portal hypertension and hypersplenism.
explanation: This case study describes genetic mutations as the cause of
disease progression, reinforcing that Nephronophthisis is genetically
driven.
treatments:
- name: Renal Replacement Therapy
description: Dialysis or kidney transplantation for end-stage renal disease.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32906116
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is an autosomal recessive disease
manifesting as tubulointerstitial nephritis uniformly progressing to ESRD
in approximately 5-10% patients in childhood. Living donor transplantation
is the most beneficial mean of renal replacement therapy compared to other
methods.
explanation: The abstract discusses that Nephronophthisis often leads to
end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mentions living donor transplantation
as a beneficial renal replacement therapy option.
- reference: PMID:15715116
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: 'Diabetes and ESRD receiving Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT)... The main
choices of modalities are: 1) haemodialysis (HD), 2) Peritoneal dialysis (PD),
3) Kidney transplantation alone (KTA) or 4) simultaneous kidney and pancreas
transplantation (SPKT).'
explanation: Although this reference focuses on diabetic nephropathy, it
supports the statement that renal replacement therapies for ESRD include
dialysis and kidney transplantation.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: renal dialysis
term:
id: MAXO:0000601
label: renal dialysis
- name: Antihypertensive Therapy
description: Management of blood pressure with medications.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36224286
supports: PARTIAL
snippet: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the strongest risk factors
for hypertension, and hypertension can exacerbate the progression of
CKD... therefore, one of the best strategies to slow the progression of
CKD is to maintain the 'numbers' of these essential components necessary
to preserve renal function. To this end, both the achievement of an
optimal blood pressure and a maximum reduction in urinary protein
excretion are essential.
explanation: This source suggests that managing blood pressure is essential
in the context of CKD, which is related to nephron function. However, it
does not explicitly mention Nephronophthisis, a specific type of
nephropathy.
- reference: PMID:30354828
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
snippet: Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as above-goal elevated blood
pressure (BP) in a patient despite the concurrent use of 3
antihypertensive drug classes...evaluation includes identification of
contributing lifestyle issues, detection of drugs interfering with
antihypertensive medication effectiveness, screening for secondary
hypertension, and assessment of target organ damage. Management of RH
includes maximization of lifestyle interventions, use of long-acting
thiazide-like diuretics (chlorthalidone or indapamide), addition of a
mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (spironolactone or eplerenone), and,
if BP remains elevated, stepwise addition of antihypertensive drugs with
complementary mechanisms of action to lower BP.
explanation: This source provides comprehensive information on the
evaluation and management of resistant hypertension but does not discuss
Nephronophthisis specifically.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: pharmacotherapy
term:
id: MAXO:0000058
label: pharmacotherapy
- name: Supportive Care
description: Symptomatic treatment and monitoring to manage associated
complications.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35533128
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: At the moment there is no healing therapy, so early kidney
transplant is a fundamental tool to improve prognosis.
explanation: There is no curative treatment for nephronophthisis, indicating
that supportive care, including symptomatic treatment and monitoring, is
currently applied to manage associated complications.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: supportive care
term:
id: MAXO:0000950
label: supportive care
review_notes: Nephronophthisis is a ciliopathy causing chronic
tubulointerstitial nephritis. The cardinal feature is progressive renal
failure, usually beginning in childhood and adolescence and leading to
end-stage renal disease. Recent research highlights multiple converging
mechanisms including ciliary dysfunction, disrupted WNT/Hedgehog/EGFR/Hippo
signaling, aberrant actin-RhoA remodeling, and DNA damage response defects
leading to cellular senescence. Extrarenal manifestations like retinitis
pigmentosa (Senior-Loken syndrome) and liver fibrosis may occur in 10-20% of
cases. The cilia-actin-Hippo axis represents a potential therapeutic target,
with experimental evidence for EGFR inhibitors rescuing ciliary defects in
patient-derived cells.
disease_term:
preferred_term: nephronophthisis
term:
id: MONDO:0019005
label: nephronophthisis
classifications:
harrisons_chapter:
- classification_value: kidney disorder
- classification_value: hereditary disease
mechanistic_category:
- classification_value: ciliopathy
references:
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s44321-025-00239-x
title: Metabolic reprogramming in polycystic kidney disease and other renal
ciliopathies
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1101/2025.06.09.658557
title: Loss of nephronophthisis-associated nephrocystin-1 impairs DNA damage
repair in kidney organoids
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1186/s12964-025-02143-w
title: NEK8, a NIMA-family protein kinase at the core of the ciliary INV
complex
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1242/jcs.264141
title: Urinary renal epithelial cells can be used for <i>NPHP1</i> phenotyping
and a personalized therapeutic strategy
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.12659/ajcr.941413
title: Autosomal Recessive Adolescent Syndromic Nephronophthisis Caused by a
Novel Compound Heterozygous Pathogenic Variant
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fneph.2023.1331847
title: Primary cilia and actin regulatory pathways in renal ciliopathies
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3390/genes14081582
title: A Role for Genetic Modifiers in Tubulointerstitial Kidney Diseases
findings: []