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gene
GeneReviews
PagonRoberta A
BirdThomas C
DolanCynthia R
SmithRichard JH
StephensKaren
University of Washington, Seattle2009
geneticspublic health

GeneReviews designates a molecular genetic test as clinically available only if the test is listed in the GeneTests Laboratory Directory by either a US CLIA-licensed laboratory or a non-US clinical laboratory. GeneTests does not verify laboratory-submitted information or warrant any aspect of a laboratory's licensure or performance. Clinicians must communicate directly with the laboratories to verify information.—ED.

Genetics clinics, staffed by genetics professionals, provide information for individuals and families regarding the natural history, treatment, mode of inheritance, and genetic risks to other family members as well as information about available consumer-oriented resources. See the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

For current information on availability of genetic testing for disorders included in this section, see GeneTests Laboratory Directory. —ED.

Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members. This section is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that individuals may face or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. To find a genetics or prenatal diagnosis clinic, see the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
[Includes: Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus, Autosomal; Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus, X-Linked]

Nine Knoers, MD
Human Genetics
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
08062007ndi
Initial Posting: February 12, 2000.
Last Revision: June 8, 2007.

Summary

Disease characteristics.  Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterized by inability to concentrate the urine, which results in polyuria (excessive urine production) and polydipsia (excessive thirst). Affected untreated infants usually have poor feeding and failure to thrive, and rapid onset of severe dehydration with illness, hot environment, or the withholding of water. Short stature and secondary dilatation of the ureters and bladder from the high urine volume is common in untreated individuals.

Diagnosis/testing.  The clinical diagnosis of NDI relies upon demonstration of subnormal ability to concentrate the urine despite the presence of the antidiuretic hormone, pituitary-derived arginine vasopressin (AVP). The two genes associated with NDI are AVPR2 (X-linked) and AQP2 (autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant). Molecular genetic testing of the AVPR2 gene detects approximately 95% of disease-causing mutations in individuals with X-linked NDI; molecular genetic testing of the AQP2 gene detects about 95% of disease-causing mutations in individuals with autosomal recessive NDI. Such testing is clinically available.

Management.  Treatment of manifestations: management by a team (nutritionist, pediatric nephrologist/endocrinologist, clinical geneticist); provide free access to drinking water and to toilet facilities; reduce polyuria (and thus polydipsia) up to 50% without inducing hypernatremia by use of one of the following: thiazide diuretics (i.e., hydrochlorthiazide, chlorothiazide), dietary restriction of sodium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); in individuals with dehydration or shock, establish whether the deficit is primarily in free water (through water deprivation or excessive urine, stool, or sweat) or in extracellular fluid (bleeding, fluid extravasation) to avoid inappropriate treatment of dehydration with normal saline (0.9% NaCl); treat hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and megacystis with medical management to reduce urine output and continuous or intermittent bladder catheterization when post-void urinary bladder residuals are significant; when 'NPO' (nothing per ora), individuals with NDI must have intravenous replacement of their usual oral intake of water as 2.5% dextrose in water. Surveillance: monitoring of growth in infants and children; periodic measurement of serum sodium concentration to identify unrecognized hyperosmolality and early dehydration; annual renal ultrasound evaluation to monitor for hydronephrosis and megacystis. Agents/circumstances to avoid: restriction of water intake. Testing of relatives at risk: evaluation of at-risk infants as early as possible to allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity from hypernatremia, dehydration, and dilation of the urinary tract.

Genetic counseling.  NDI is most commonly inherited in an X-linked manner (~90% of individuals). NDI can also be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner (~9% of individuals) or in an autosomal dominant manner (~1% of individuals). The risks to sibs and offspring depend upon the mode of inheritance and the carrier status of the parents, which can be established in most families using molecular genetic testing. Prenatal testing is available for at-risk pregnancies in which the disease-causing mutation(s) have been identified in an affected family member.

Diagnosis

Clinical Diagnosis

Nephrogenic diabetes inspidus (NDI) is suspected in individuals with:

  • Polyuria (excessive urine production)

  • Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

Testing

Tests of Urine-Concentrating Ability

Affected individuals

  • Measurement of serum sodium concentration with simultaneous measurement of urine specific gravity is the most helpful screening test for diabetes insipidus.

    • An increased serum sodium concentration (>143 mEq/L)in the presence of a low urine specific gravity and in the absence of excessive sodium intake, is highly suggestive of diabetes insipidus.

    • The simultaneous occurrence of a high plasma osmolality and low urine osmolality reflects increased serum sodium concentration and low urine specific gravity.

  • Failure to concentrate the urine normally in the presence of high plasma vasopressin concentration and in the presence of parenteral administration of vasopressin or desmopressin (DDAVP) is diagnostic of NDI. Administration of 10 to 40 µg DDAVP intranasally in individuals older than age one year usually results in a urine osmolality that is:

    • Greater than 807 mOsm/kg in normal individuals

    • Less than 200 mOsm/kg in individuals with NDI [van Lieburg et al 1999]

Note: The results of these tests may be difficult to interpret in individuals with "partial diabetes insipidus," which results from either subnormal amounts of vasopressin secretion (partial neurogenic DI) or partial response of the kidney to normal vasopressin concentrations (partial nephrogenic DI). These two disorders can be distinguished by comparing the ratio of urine osmolarity to plasma vasopressin concentration against normal standards.

Females heterozygous for X-linked NDI.   Although an overnight urinary concentration test in female relatives was proposed as a method of carrier detection, it is unreliable.

Molecular Genetic Testing

Genes

Clinical uses

Clinical testing

Table 1 summarizes molecular genetic testing for this disorder.

Table 1. Molecular Genetic Testing Used in NDI

Test MethodMutations DetectedMutation Detection Frequency  1 Test Availability
Sequence analysisAVPR2 sequence variants~95% of individuals with X-linked NDIClinical graphic element
Sequence analysisAQP2 sequence variants~95% of individuals with autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant NDIClinical graphic element

1.  Proportion of affected individuals with a mutation(s) as classified by gene/locus, phenotype, population group, genetic mechanism, and/or test method

Interpretation of test results.  For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.

Testing Strategy

To establish the diagnosis in a proband

  • Since most NDI is caused by AVPR2 mutations, molecular genetic testing of a symptomatic individual, male or female, usually starts with AVPR2 sequencing. If no mutations are found, AQP2 sequencing is performed.

  • In affected children (male or female) from consanguineous parents, AQP2 sequencing is performed first, followed by AVPR2 sequencing if no mutation in AQP2 is identified.

Clinical Description

Natural History

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI).  Individuals with NDI typically have polyuria and polydipsia. However, in some infants, polydipsia and polyuria are often unappreciated or unimpressive. These infants may present with vomiting, gagging or retching, poor feeding, constipation or diarrhea, failure to thrive, unexplained fevers, and lethargy or irritability. The majority of affected individuals are diagnosed in the first year of life [van Lieburg et al 1999]. The initial symptoms in autosomal dominant NDI usually appear later, in some cases not before early adulthood.

Other infants, as well as older individuals, may present with rapid onset of severe dehydration associated with water deprivation, a hot environment, or intercurrent illnesses associated with decreased water intake and/or increased free water losses through vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Seizures and/or coma may occur with rapid increases or decreases in plasma osmolality. Occasionally, the presenting sign is hydronephrosis, hydroureter, or megacystis.

Dehydrated individuals who have not been diagnosed to have NDI or who are unable to communicate their complaints run the risk of being improperly treated with IV administration of normal saline, especially in emergency situations. This may exacerbate hypernatremia. Prolonged, unrecognized, or repeated episodes of hypernatremic dehydration may result in seizures, permanent brain damage, developmental delay, and mental retardation. With early diagnosis and proper management, intelligence and life span are usually normal.

Chronic excretion of large volumes of urine in untreated persons results in hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and megacystis (huge bladder). Some degree of urinary tract distension may be seen on ultrasound examination even in infants [Yoo et al 2006]. Potential complications of urinary tract dilatation are rupture of the urinary tract, infection, intractable pain, improper bladder function, and/or kidney failure. These complications may occur as early as the second decade of life [Shalev et al 2004]. Lifestyle is substantially affected by the need to have constant access to potable water and by the increased frequency of urination. The unavailability of restroom facilities, even for a short time, is a problem in societies in which public urination is taboo. School and other social or group activities may be disrupted.

Affected individuals are almost always less than 50th centile for height; most are more than one standard deviation below the mean. Failure to thrive or short stature may result from unsuccessful management or inadequate nutrition related to polydipsia. Catch-up growth does not occur later in childhood [van Lieburg et al 1999].

Partial nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.  Individuals with partial NDI tend to be diagnosed in later childhood. They usually do not have growth or developmental delay and are able to concentrate the urine in response to dehydration or DDAVP administration, but to a lesser extent than unaffected individuals.

Heterozygotes for X-linked NDI.  Female carriers of X-linked NDI may have no symptoms or a variable degree of polyuria and polydipsia, or they may be as severely affected as males. In females heterozygous for AVPR2 mutations, a correlation between urine-concentrating ability (and symptoms) and skewed X-chromosome inactivation in leukocytes has been reported in one family [Nomura et al 1997, Kinoshita et al 2004].

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

X-linked and recessive NDI are similar with respect to initial symptoms and, with a few exceptions, age of onset.

In the minority of individuals with X-linked NDI and a V2 receptor mutation resulting in partial insensitivity to AVP or DDAVP, the disease onset may be later in childhood. Thus, three families had the missense mutation D85N associated with decreased ligand-binding affinity and decreased coupling to Gs, and one had the missense mutation G201D associated with a decreased number of cell surface AVPR2 receptors [Sadeghi et al 1997]. An individual representing a simplex case (a single affected individual in a family) had the mutation P322S, which was able to partly activate the Gs/adenylyl cyclase system [Ala et al 1998].

Nomenclature

The name "nephrogenic diabetes insipidus" was coined by Williams and Henry in 1947. In the literature the name "nephrogenic diabetes insipidus" has been used synonymously with the terms "vasopressin- or ADH-resistant diabetes insipidus" or "diabetes insipidus renalis."

Prevalence

The exact prevalence of NDI is not known but it is assumed to be rare. The most recent estimate of the prevalence of NDI in Quebec, Canada is 8.8:1,000,000 males [Arthus et al 2000]. In the Dutch population of about 16 million, 40 affected families are known.

Differential Diagnosis

For current information on availability of genetic testing for disorders included in this section, see GeneTests Laboratory Directory. —ED.

Diabetes insipidus is the excretion of abnormally large volumes (i.e., >50 mL/kg body weight in 24 hours) of dilute urine (i.e., specific gravity <1.010 or osmolality <300 mOsm/kg) [Robertson 1988, Robertson 1995]. In addition to inherited forms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), causes of diabetes insipidus include the following:

Diabetes mellitus.   Polyuria associated with diabetes mellitus is associated with glucose in the urine and increased urine specific gravity.

Other.   Because of the nonspecific nature of the presenting signs of NDI, infants with NDI may go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed while under care for failure to thrive, unexplained fever, urinary reflux, or other symptoms.

Management

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To establish the extent of disease in an individual diagnosed with nephrogenic dianetes insipidus (NDI):

  • Renal ultrasound examination to evaluate for hydronephrosis, dilatation of the urinary tract, and megacystis

Treatment of Manifestations

Management is usually best accomplished by a team consisting of a nutritionist, a pediatric nephrologist or endocrinologist, and a clinical geneticist.

General management.  The essence of management is the provision of free access to drinking water and to toilet facilities. Infants, who are naturally unable to seek out water when thirsty, must be offered water between regular feedings. Children and adults who are heavy sleepers may need to be awakened at night by a family member or an alarm clock in order to drink water and to urinate. As long as an individual's thirst mechanism remains intact and the person is otherwise well, these measures prevent hypernatremic dehydration. Education of friends, teachers, caretakers, and neighbors and a willingness to find creative solutions are helpful.

Polyuria (and thus polydipsia) can be reduced by up to 50% without inducing hypernatremia by the use of one of the following. Therapy is considered effective when urine output declines below a documented baseline in individuals with ad libitum water intake. Objective measurements of 24-hour urine volume are more valuable than subjective reports of the volume or frequency of voiding, although reduction in the latter provides a benefit to lifestyle.

  • Thiazide diuretics (i.e., hydrochlorthiazide, chlorothiazide) in standard to high doses. Since these diuretics cause potassium wasting, serum potassium concentration should be monitored and supplemental potassium provided in the diet or pharmacologically as needed. Thiazides are often used in combination with either amiloride or indomethacin.

    Note: When thiazide diuretic therapy is initiated, a transient increase in urine output may occur as a result of salt diuresis.

  • Dietary restriction of sodium to 300 mg/day to maximize the effectiveness of thiazide diuretics in reducing urine output. Although previously a diet low in protein (2 g/kg/day) to reduce the renal osmolar load and obligatory water excretion was recommended, severe limitation of dietary protein may introduce nutritional deficiencies. Thus, it is preferable to prescribe dietary restriction of sodium only.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , such as indomethacin, to potentially improve urine concentrating ability and reduce urine output. NSAIDs have been used individually and in combination with thiazide diuretics (with or without amiloride). Because NSAIDs have undesirable effects, such as gastric and renal tubular damage, and because the incidence of complications has not been studied in individuals with NDI, caution is warranted in the chronic use of NSAIDs for treatment of NDI.

Emergency treatment for dehydration.  When individuals with NDI present with dehydration or shock, it is essential to establish whether the deficit is primarily in free water (through water deprivation or excessive urine, stool, or sweat) or in extracellular fluid (bleeding, fluid extravasation). The natural tendency of healthcare providers to treat dehydration with normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is dangerous in individuals with NDI if the deficit is primarily in free water.

  • Acute blood loss or shock may be treated with isotonic fluid until the blood pressure and heart rate are stabilized, after which 2.5% dextrose in water is the preferred solution.

  • Dehydration associated with free water deficit is treated by gradually replacing the deficit water as well as ongoing urinary losses. Whenever possible, rehydration should occur with the oral intake of drinking water. If administration of IV fluids is required, 2.5% dextrose in water and/or quarter-normal saline should be used.

If significant hypernatremia is present, serum sodium concentration should be monitored and the hydration solution modified to avoid reducing serum sodium concentration faster than 1 mEq/L per hour. Rapid increases or decreases in plasma osmolality can cause seizures, coma, brain damage, and death.

Special situations.  Individuals being prepared for surgery are often denied oral intake for many hours and are described as having 'NPO' (nothing per ora) status. In individuals with NDI, an IV must be provided from the beginning of NPO status, and the person's oral intake of water for that period, which is typically much larger than that of an individual who does not have NDI, should be given intravenously as 2.5% dextrose in water [Moug et al 2005].

Hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and megacystis.  Treatment involves medical management to reduce urine output and continuous or intermittent bladder catheterization when significant post-void urinary bladder residuals are present.

Psychomotor development.  Children with a history of an episode of severe dehydration, delayed developmental milestones, or a delay in establishing the correct diagnosis and management warrant a formal developmental evaluation and intervention before school age.

Prevention of Secondary Complications

Prevention or reduction of serious renal, ureteral, or bladder dilatation may be achieved by reduction of urine production by drug therapy and voiding at two-hour intervals.

Surveillance

  • Monitoring of growth in infants and children

  • Periodic measurement of serum sodium concentration to identify unrecognized hyperosmolality and early dehydration

    Note: Urine output and urine specific gravity are useless as indicators of hydration status.

  • Annual renal ultrasound evaluation to monitor for hydronephrosis and megacystis [Shalev et al 2004]

Agents/Circumstances to Avoid

  • Restriction of water intake

Testing of Relatives at Risk

It is appropriate to evaluate at-risk infants as early as possible to allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity from hypernatremia, dehydration, and dilation of the urinary tract.

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Therapies Under Investigation

In an individual with a milder V2R mutation resulting in a partial response to AVP and DDAVP, high doses of DDAVP in combination with a thiazide diuretic significantly decreased urinary volume [Mizuno et al 2003]. Effectiveness of this treatment in partial NDI needs to be explored further.

Because of the known gastrointestinal safety of selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors compared to nonselective COX-inhibitors (such as indomethacin), use of these drugs has been proposed for the treatment of NDI. The effectiveness of a specific COX-2 inhibitor in decreasing free water losses was demonstrated in male infants with NDI [Pattaragarn & Alon 2003, Soylu et al 2005]. However, in view of the recent discovery that prolonged use of this COX-2 inhibitor can cause severe cardiac side effects, it is not appropriate to use these inhibitors in the treatment of NDI until it has been determined which of the specific COX-2 inhibitors are completely safe.

Because in vitro expression studies reveal that the majority of V2R mutations in X-linked NDI and all AQP2 mutations in autosomal recessive NDI result in normal protein that is retained within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), agents that restore plasma routing are under investigation as potential treatments. Promising agents for X-linked NDI are cell-permeable V2R antagonists or agonists that in vitro rescue the intracellular retention of several V2R mutants [Morello et al 2000, Tan et al 2003, Bernier et al 2004, Robben et al 2006]. The feasibility of treatment with these so-called pharmacologic "chaperones" has recently been tested in vivo. In individuals with NDI who have missense AVPR2 mutations, Bernier et al (2006) showed that treatment with a non-fpeptide V1a receptor antagonist had beneficial effects on urine volume and osmolality starting a few hours after administration. However, the long-term effect of this drug could not be tested because the clinical development of this V1a receptor antagonist was interrupted during the course of this study as a result of possible interference with the cytochrome P450 metabolic pathway. Confirmation of the putative beneficial effect of pharmacologic chaperones in NDI awaits further in vivo testing.

Aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, allow read-through of stop codon V2R mutants in vitro, resulting in the production of full-length proteins [Schulz et al 2002]. However, in view of the toxic effect of these antibiotics on the kidney, the application of such a therapy to NDI in the future is unlikely.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Other

Genetics clinics, staffed by genetics professionals, provide information for individuals and families regarding the natural history, treatment, mode of inheritance, and genetic risks to other family members as well as information about available consumer-oriented resources. See the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

See Consumer Resources for disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations for this disorder. These organizations have been established for individuals and families to provide information, support, and contact with other affected individuals.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members. This section is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that individuals may face or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. To find a genetics or prenatal diagnosis clinic, see the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

Mode of Inheritance

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) may be transmitted in an X-linked recessive manner (90% of families), an autosomal recessive manner (~9% of families), or an autosomal dominant manner (~1% of families).

Risk to Family Members — X-Linked Inheritance

Parents of a proband

Sibs of a proband

Offspring of a proband.   All the daughters of an affected male are carriers; none of his sons will be affected.

Carrier Detection

Carrier testing by molecular analysis of at-risk female relatives is available if the mutation has been identified in the proband.

Risk to Family Members — Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

Parents of a proband

Sibs of a proband

Offspring of a proband.  The offspring of an individual with autosomal recessive NDI are obligate heterozygotes (carriers) for a disease-causing mutation in the AQP2 gene.

Other family members.  Each sib of the proband's parents is at a 50% risk of being a carrier.

Carrier Detection

Carrier testing by molecular analysis for at-risk family members is available once the mutations have been identified in the proband.

Risk to Family Members — Autosomal Dominant Inheritance

Parents of a proband

Sibs of a proband

  • The risk to sibs depends upon the genetic status of the proband's parent.

  • If a parent of a proband is affected, the risk to the sibs is 50%.

  • When the parents are clinically unaffected, the risk to the sibs of a proband appears to be low.

Offspring of a proband.  Each child of an individual with autosomal dominant NDI has a 50% chance of inheriting the AQP2 mutation.

Other family members of a proband.  The risk to other family members depends upon the status of the proband's parents. If a parent is found to be affected, his or her family members are at risk.

Related Genetic Counseling Issues

See Testing of Relatives at Risk for information on testing at-risk relatives for the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment.

Family planning.  The optimal time for determination of genetic risk and discussion of the availability of prenatal testing is before pregnancy.

DNA banking.  DNA banking is the storage of DNA (typically extracted from white blood cells) for possible future use. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, mutations, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA of affected individuals. DNA banking is particularly relevant in situations in which the sensitivity of currently available testing is less than 100%. See DNA Banking for a list of laboratories offering this service.

Prenatal Testing

X-linked NDI.  Prenatal testing is available for pregnancies at increased risk if the AVPR2 mutation has been identified in an affected family member. The usual procedure is to determine fetal sex by performing chromosome analysis on fetal cells obtained by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at about ten to 12 weeks' gestation or by amniocentesis usually performed at about 15-18 weeks' gestation. If the karyotype is 46,XY, DNA from fetal cells can be analyzed for the known disease-causing mutation.

Autosomal recessive NDI.  Prenatal diagnosis is available for pregnancies at increased risk. Analysis of DNA extracted from fetal cells obtained by amniocentesis usually performed at about 15-18 weeks' gestation or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at about ten to 12 weeks' gestation. Both disease-causing alleles of an affected family member must be identified before prenatal testing can be performed.

Note: Gestational age is expressed as menstrual weeks calculated either from the first day of the last normal menstrual period or by ultrasound measurements.

Requests for prenatal testing for conditions such as NDI that do not affect intellect and have treatment available are not common. Differences in perspective may exist among medical professionals and in families regarding the use of prenatal testing, particularly if the testing is being considered for the purpose of pregnancy termination rather than early diagnosis. Although most centers would consider decisions about prenatal testing to be the choice of the parents, careful discussion of these issues is appropriate.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be available for families in which the disease-causing mutation(s) has/have been identified. For laboratories offering PGD, see graphic element. Although technically feasible, PGD may be unacceptable and/or not allowed in some countries.

Molecular Genetics

Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. —ED.

Table A. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: Genes and Databases

Gene Symbol Chromosomal Locus Protein Name Locus Specific HGMD
AVPR2 Xq28 Vasopressin V2 receptor Nephrogenic and Neurogenic Diabetes Insipidus (AVPR2)
AVPR2 @ LOVD
AVPR2
AQP2 12q13 Aquaporin-2 Nephrogenic and Neurogenic Diabetes Insipidus (AQP2) AQP2

Data are compiled from the following standard references: gene symbol from HGNC; chromosomal locus, locus name, critical region, complementation group from OMIM; protein name from UniProt. For a description of databases (Locus Specific, HGMD) linked to, click here.

Table B. OMIM Entries for Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (View All in OMIM)

107777 AQUAPORIN 2; AQP2
125800 DIABETES INSIPIDUS, NEPHROGENIC, AUTOSOMAL
300538 ARGININE VASOPRESSIN RECEPTOR 2; AVPR2
304800 DIABETES INSIPIDUS, NEPHROGENIC, X-LINKED

AVPR2

Normal allelic variants: The AVPR2 gene has three exons and two small introns.

Pathologic allelic variants: One hundred eighty putative disease-causing mutations have been identified [Bichet et al 1994, Bichet 1998, Knoers & Monnens 1999, Knoers & Deen 2001, Morello & Bichet 2001, Robben et al 2006, NDI Database]. The mutations are not clustered in one domain of the V2R but are scattered throughout the gene [Wildin et al 1998]. The mutations consist of point mutations, small deletions and insertions, splice site mutations, or large deletions of the 3' region [Knoers & Monnens 1999]. (For more information, see Table A: locus-specific databases and HGMD above.)

Normal gene product: AVPR2 encodes vasopressin V2 receptor (AVPR2). The cDNA predicts a polypeptide of 371 amino acids with seven transmembrane, four extracellular, and four cytoplasmic domains. The V2 receptor, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, preferentially activates the G protein Gs resulting in the activation of adenylyl cyclase. The first step in the antidiuretic action of AVP is binding the vasopressin V2 receptor on the basolateral membrane of collecting duct cells. This step initiates a cascade of events — receptor-linked activation of G protein (Gs), activation of adenylyl cyclase, production of cyclic adenosine-monophosphate (cAMP), and stimulation of protein kinase A (PKA) — that leads to the final step in the antidiuretic action of AVP, i.e., the exocytic insertion of specific water channels AQP2, into the luminal membrane, thereby increasing the water permeability of that membrane [Bichet 1998].

Abnormal gene product: Most AVPR2 mutations lead to receptors that are trapped intracellularly and are unable to reach the plasma membrane [Robben et al 2005]. All AVPR2 alleles from individuals with classic NDI fail to signal with physiologic levels of AVP [Wildin et al 1998]. A minority of mutant receptors reaches the cell surface but are unable to bind to AVP or to trigger an intracellular cAMP signal [Bichet 1998, Albertazzi et al 2000, Pasel et al 2000, Postina et al 2000, Inaba et al 2001].

AQP2

Normal allelic variants: The AQP2 gene has four exons.

Pathologic allelic variants:

(For more information, see Table A: locus-specific databases and HGMD above.)

Normal gene product: AQP2 encodes aquaporin-2, the vasopressin-sensitive water channel of the renal collecting duct cells. Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is one of a family of water-transporting proteins that facilitates osmotically driven water movement across plasma cell membranes [Knoers & Deen 1998]. Vasopression, acting through cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) after binding to its V2 receptor (V2R) at the basolateral membrane of collecting duct cells, triggers the insertion of intracellular vesicles containing AQP2 proteins in the apical membrane, resulting in increased water permeability of this membrane. Phosphorylation of a PKA consensus site in AQP2 (serine at position 256 in the carboxy terminus) is essential for AQP2 delivery to the apical membrane [van Balkom et al 2002]. Upon dissociation of AQP2 from its receptor, this process is rapidly reversed. This shuttling of AQP2 into and out of the apical membrane is responsible for the short-term regulation of collecting duct water permeability. Long-term regulation is a consequence of an increase in the expression level of AQP2 mRNA and protein.

Abnormal gene product:

Resources

See Consumer Resources for disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations for this disorder. These organizations have been established for individuals and families to provide information, support, and contact with other affected individuals. GeneTests provides information about selected organizations and resources for the benefit of the reader; GeneTests is not responsible for information provided by other organizations.—ED.

References

Medical Genetic Searches: A specialized PubMed search designed for clinicians that is located on the PubMed Clinical Queries page. graphic element

Literature Cited

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Published Statements and Policies Regarding Genetic Testing

No specific guidelines regarding genetic testing for this disorder have been developed.

Suggested Readings

Bichet DG. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2006; 13: 96104. [PubMed]
Bichet DG, Fujiwara TM. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In: Scriver CR, Beaudet AL, Sly WS, Valle D, Vogelstein B (eds) The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease (OMMBID), McGraw-Hill, New York, Chap 163. www.ommbid.com. revised 2002
Sands JM, Bichet DG. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Ann Intern Med. 2006; 144: 18694. [PubMed]

Chapter Notes

Author History

Nine Knoers, MD (2003-present)
Robert S Wildin, MD; Oregon Health and Science University (2000-2003)

Revision History

  • 8 June 2007 (cd) Revision: deletion/duplication analysis no longer available on a clinical basis

  • 8 March 2007 (me) Comprehensive update posted to live Web site

  • 5 January 2005 (me) Comprehensive update posted to live Web site

  • 28 February 2003 (me) Comprehensive update posted to live Web site

  • 12 February 2000 (pb) Review posted to live Web site

  • 13 January 1999 (rw) Original submission

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