MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY OF DIABETES-INSIPIDUS

The identification, characterization, and mutational analysis of three different genes. namely the prepro-arginine-vasopressin-neurophysin I I gene (prepro-AVP-NPII), the arginine-vasopressin receptor 2 gene (AV PR2), and the vasopressin-sensitive water channel gene (aquaporin-2, A QP2), provide the basis for our understanding of three different hered itary forms of diabetes insipidus: autosomal dominant neurogenic diabe tes insipidus, X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and autosomal recessive nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, respectively. These advances provide diagnostic tools for physicians caring for these patients.