The genetics of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD)

ARPKD is a genetically inherited kidney disease that manifests by bilateral enlargement of cystic kidneys and liver fibrosis. It shows a range of severity, with 30% of individuals dying early on and the majority having good prognosis if they survive the first year of life. The reasons for this variability remain unclear. Two genes have been shown to cause ARPKD when mutated, PKHD1, mutations in which lead to most of ARPKD cases and DZIP1L, which is associated with moderate ARPKD. This mini review will explore the genetics of ARPKD and discuss potential genetic modifiers and phenocopies that could affect diagnosis.