AVP Gene Mutations, V2 Receptor Mutations, AQp2 Gene mutations, Aquaporin-3 and Aquaporin-4 and epigenetic modifications are some promising targets and genetic mutations where research is on going.
Mainly 2 types as Central diabetes insipidus involves damage to your pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Because of the damage, your body can't produce, store or release ADH normally & Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus makes your kidneys unable to respond properly to ADH. About 90% of cases of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are due to loss-of-function variants in the AVPR2 gene, as inherited X-linked recessive.
Recent advancements in genetic research have identified several genetic mutations that are associated with diabetes insipidus (DI), particularly nephrogenic DI (NDI) and central DI (CDI). These findings open up promising avenues for future research and therapeutic developments.
Key Genetic Mutations and Targets:
AVP (Arginine Vasopressin) Gene Mutations: Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is often caused by mutations in the AVP gene, which encodes arginine vasopressin, a key hormone in water reabsorption. Mutations in the AVP-NPII gene lead to defective production or release of vasopressin. Future research could explore gene therapy or other molecular strategies to correct these mutations, thus restoring normal vasopressin function (Bichet, 2019).
AVPR2 (Arginine Vasopressin Receptor 2) Gene Mutations: The most common cause of X-linked nephrogenic DI (NDI) is mutations in the AVPR2 gene, which codes for the vasopressin receptor 2 in the kidneys. Mutations in AVPR2 result in the kidney's inability to respond to vasopressin, leading to excessive water loss. New approaches such as targeted molecular therapies or gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 could offer potential in correcting these mutations (Bichet, 2020).
AQP2 (Aquaporin-2) Gene Mutations: AQP2 gene mutations are another cause of autosomal recessive or dominant forms of nephrogenic DI. Aquaporin-2 is a water channel protein that plays a crucial role in water reabsorption in the kidneys. Mutations in AQP2 impair water reabsorption, leading to polyuria. Research into protein replacement therapies or drugs that enhance the trafficking of aquaporin-2 channels to the cell surface could be a promising area for future therapeutic development (Li et al., 2017).
WFS1 Gene: Mutations in the WFS1 gene, which causes Wolfram syndrome, have been linked to a rare form of diabetes insipidus, along with diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness. Understanding how WFS1 mutations affect vasopressin secretion could lead to novel therapeutic targets for this syndrome, including gene-targeted treatments or molecular chaperones to rescue protein function (Urano, 2016).
Future Research Directions:
Gene Editing and Gene Therapy: With advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 technology, correcting mutations in AVPR2, AQP2, or AVP genes could be a future therapeutic approach.
Small Molecule Therapies: Research into small molecules that can bypass defective receptors or enhance residual receptor activity could be another strategy, particularly for AVPR2 mutations.
Chaperone Therapies: For misfolded proteins resulting from genetic mutations, chaperone therapies that assist in proper protein folding and trafficking may provide therapeutic benefits, especially for AQP2-related NDI.
References:
Bichet, D. G. (2019). Genetic and clinical aspects of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Annals of Endocrinology, 80(2), 101-103.
Bichet, D. G. (2020). Inherited nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: Long-term treatment options and new therapeutic possibilities. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 35(7), 1207-1210.
Li, J. H., et al. (2017). Aquaporin-2 mutations and therapeutic implications in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 1863(6), 2408-2416.
Urano, F. (2016). Wolfram syndrome: Diagnosis, management, and treatment. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 28(4), 585-592.