Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome">Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome
Mutations in the NPHS1 or NPHS2 gene cause most cases of congenital nephrotic syndrome. These genes provide instructions for making proteins that are found in the kidneys. Specifically, the proteins produced from the NPHS1 and NPHS2 genes are found in cells called podocytes, which are located in specialized kidney structures, called glomeruli, that filter the blood. The proteins are found at the podocyte cell surface in the area between two podocytes called the slit diaphragm. The slit diaphragm is known as a filtration barrier because it captures proteins from blood so that they remain in the body while allowing other molecules like sugars and salts to be excreted in urine. The proteins produced from the NPHS1 and NPHS2 genes also help relay cell signals.

Mutations in the NPHS1 or NPHS2 gene result in a decrease or absence of functional protein, which impairs the formation of normal slit diaphragms. Without a functional slit diaphragm, more molecules pass through the kidneys abnormally and get excreted in urine, including proteins and blood cells. The filtering ability of the kidneys worsens from birth, eventually leading to end-stage renal disease.

NPHS1 gene mutations cause all cases of congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type. This form of the condition is found in people of Finnish ancestry. NPHS1 gene mutations can cause congenital nephrotic syndrome in non-Finnish individuals, but they are a less common cause than NPHS2 gene mutations, which appear to be the most frequent cause of all cases.

Mutations in other genes cause a small number of cases of congenital nephrotic syndrome. Fifteen to 20 percent of individuals with congenital nephrotic syndrome do not have an identified mutation in one of the genes associated with this condition. In these cases, the cause of the condition may be environmental, including infections such as congenital syphilis or toxoplasmosis, or it may be caused by mutations in unidentified genes.