VESICOURETERAL REFLUX - A GENETIC CONDITION

Vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) is a frequent condition, but in most inst ances, the precise cause is unknown. We here review the evidence of a genetic aetiology of VUR, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, wi th variable expression. We discuss the possible pathogenetic relations hip between VUR and other types of uropathies and possible strategies towards the identification of genes underlying VUR are presented. The isolation of the gene(s) responsible for uropathies will not only lead to a better insight into the embryology of the urological system, the pathogenesis of uropathies, but also to a renewed interest from clini cians in congenital uropathies.