Journal of Clinical Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (4): 362-372.doi: 10.12372/jcp.2026.25e1075

• Literature Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Kidney diseases related to COL4A3, COL4A4 and COL4A5 gene variations and their pathogenic mechanisms

LI Haomiao, ZHANG Xiaoyu, HAN Yuan, CHE Ruochen, CHEN Qiuxia, ZHAO Sanlong, DING Guixia()   

  1. Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
  • Received:2025-09-01 Accepted:2025-12-31 Published:2026-04-15 Online:2026-03-31

Abstract:

Collagen Ⅳ is the core structural protein of the glomerular basement membrane, composed of α chains encoded by the COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 genes, which assemble into the α3α4α5 trimer. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and filtration function of the glomerular basement membrane. Variations in these three genes can lead to a spectrum of inherited kidney diseases, with Alport syndrome being the most representative. Clinically, Alport syndrome is characterized by hematuria, progressive renal dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities, with inheritance patterns including X-linked, autosomal recessive, and autosomal dominant. Additionally, variations in the COL4A3-COL4A5 genes are closely associated with various kidney diseases, such as thin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN), familial IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) of unknown etiology. In recent years, with the widespread application of high-throughput sequencing technologies, genetic testing has increasingly demonstrated its value in disease diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and precision medicine. This article systematically reviews the clinical manifestations, molecular genetic mechanisms, and clinical management strategies of COL4A3-COL4A5-related kidney diseases, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for early diagnosis and individualized treatment of these conditions.

Key words: collagen Ⅳ, Alport syndrome, genetic testing, chronic kidney disease

CLC Number: 

  • R72