Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Avi Z. Rosenberg*† and Jeffrey B. Kopp*†

Abstract Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of kidney disease worldwide. The presumed etiology of primary FSGS is a plasma factor with responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy and a risk of recurrence after kidney transplant–important disease characteristics. In contrast, adaptive FSGS is associated with excessive nephron workload due to increased body size, reduced nephron capacity, or single glomerular hyperfiltration associated with certain *Department of diseases.AdditionaletiologiesarenowrecognizedasdriversofFSGS:high-penetrancegeneticFSGSduetomutationsinone Pathology, Johns of nearly 40 genes, virus-associated FSGS, and medication-associated FSGS. Emerging data support the identification Hopkins Medical of a sixth category: APOL1 risk allele–associated FSGS in individuals with sub-Saharan ancestry. The classification of a Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland; particular patient with FSGS relies on integration of findings from clinical history, laboratory testing, kidney biopsy, † and in some patients, genetic testing. The kidney biopsy can be helpful, with clues provided by features on light microscopy and Kidney Disease Section, Kidney (e.g., glomerular size, histologic variant of FSGS, microcystic tubular changes, and tubular hypertrophy), immunoflu- Diseases Branch, orescence (e.g., to rule out other primary glomerulopathies), and electron microscopy (e.g., extent of podocyte foot process National Institute of effacement, podocyte microvillous transformation, and tubuloreticular inclusions). A complete assessment of renal Diabetes and histology is important for establishing the parenchymal setting of segmental glomerulosclerosis, distinguishing FSGS Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National associated with one of many other glomerular diseases from the clinical-pathologic syndrome of FSGS. Genetic testing Institutes of Health, is beneficial in particular clinical settings. Identifying the etiology of FSGS guides selection of therapy and provides Bethesda, Maryland prognostic insight. Much progress has been made in our understanding of FSGS, but important outstanding issues remain, including the identity of the plasma factor believed to be responsible for primary FSGS, the value of routine implementation Correspondence: Dr. of genetic testing, and the identification of more effective and less toxic therapeutic interventions for FSGS. Jeffrey B. Kopp, Kidney – Disease Section, Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 502 517, 2017. doi: 10.2215/CJN.05960616 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney fi Diseases, 10 Center Introduction dif cult to ascertain given the large global variations Drive, Bethesda, MD Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the in the indications, accessibility, and pathology sup- 20892-1268. Email: leading glomerular cause of ESRD in the United port for kidney biopsy. McGrogan et al. (15) reviewed [email protected] States. FSGS refers to a histologic pattern that is a published literature from around the world and characteristic of perhaps six distinct underlying etiol- reported that annual incidence rates ranged from 0.2 ogies sharing a common theme of podocyte injury and to 1.8/100,000 population per year. Australia, with a depletion. The diagnosis and evaluation of FSGS rely liberal biopsy policy, had among the highest inci- on integration of the clinical history (family history, dence of FSGS (15,16). A population-based study in the birth history, peak weight and body mass, and southwestern United States examined 2501 adult kidney medication use), clinical laboratory findings (serum biopsies performed between the years 2000 and 2011 albumin, urine protein, and viral serologies), and renal (17). Over the 12 years studied, FSGS was the most histopathology. Proteinuria may be in the nephrotic or common diagnosis (39% of biopsies), with an increasing subnephrotic range. Critical is the elimination of other incidence rate (from 1.6 to 5.3 patients per million). systemic diseases or primary renal diseases that may Althoughtheaverageincidenceratewas2.7patientsper result in a similar presentation. Many reviews cover million, there was a significant racial/ethnic predilec- various aspects of FSGS and include comprehensive tion. FSGS incidence rates are generally higher in men, reviews (1–4), disease mechanisms (5–8), pediatric dis- being approximately 1.5-fold higher than in women. ease (9), immunologic aspects (10), treatment in children In 2004, Kitiyakara et al. (18) noted a two-decade-long (11), and treatment in adults (12–14). We focus here on a trend of increasing ESRD attributed to FSGS in the practical approach to FSGS assessment on clinical and United States. Incident rates, expressed as patients histopathologic grounds in the context of our current per million, were 6.8 in blacks, 3.7 in Hispanics, and understanding of disease mechanisms and genetics. 1.9inwhites.TheriseinFSGSprevalencehasbeen observed in other populations as well. In Nigeria, the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome has shifted from Epidemiology and Global Burden quartan malaria (ca. 1960s) to membranoproliferative The prevalence of FSGS, relative to other glomer- GN (ca. 1980s) to FSGS (present) (19). The factors re- ular disease diagnoses, seems to be increasing world- sponsible for the increasing incidence and preva- wide, and it is a major contributor to ESRD. However, lence of FSGS are largely unknown. Some of the the absolute incidence and prevalence of FSGS are increase is likely attributable to improved recognition

502 Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology www.cjasn.org Vol 12 March, 2017 Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 502–517, March, 2017 FSGS, Rosenberg et al. 503

(particularly where indications for kidney biopsy are Putting together the genetic susceptibility, pathophys- broadening and the procedure is more available). There iologic drivers, clinical history, and response to therapy maywellbeanabsoluteriseinincidenceofadaptiveFSGS (summarized in Table 1), we believe that it is useful to cluster compounded by obesity and chronic inflammation, but FSGS into six clinical forms (Figure 1, Table 2). These epidemiologic data are lacking. include two common forms (primary FSGS and adaptive Among the primary nephrotic diseases, FSGS is most FSGS) and three less common forms (high-penetrance likely to progress to ESRD. Within FSGS categories, emerg- genetic FSGS, viral-mediated FSGS, and medication- ing data indicate that an association with APOL1 defines a associated FSGS) (24). Evidence is mounting to consider group most likely to progress to ESRD. Histologic variants another form—APOL1-associated FSGS (discussed below). portend outcome with variable rates of progression (col- With regard to primary FSGS, some would prefer the term lapsing variant greater than not otherwise specified [NOS] idiopathic FSGS; both are defined as a disease that arises greater than tip lesion). spontaneously or is of unknown cause, and we would view these terms as interchangeable.

Classification Classification of FSGS is multifaceted and includes Histopathology pathophysiologic, histologic, and genetic considerations. Historically, degenerative glomerular lesions of FSGS were D’Agati et al. (20) initially proposed that FSGS be divided thoseseenintheprogressionofminimalchangedisease(MCD; into primary (idiopathic) and secondary forms. The latter formerly lipoid nephrosis), and it was subsequently noted that might be considered to include familial/genetic forms, these patients had an accelerated clinical course (25,26). In virus-associated forms, drug-induced forms, and forms contrast to MCD, FSGS glomeruli show segmental solidifica- mediated by adaptive structural-functional responses tion of the glomerular tuft. Tubulointerstitial scarring indica- (i.e., in the setting of congenital or acquired reduction of tive of glomerular disease may also be observed. It is not renal mass/nephron complement). Clinical response and uncommon that a biopsy with minimal glomerular changes prognosis may relate to the histologic variant, most may have tubulointerstitial damage, suggesting that FSGS notably the glucocorticioid responsiveness of the tip might have been present on unsampled glomeruli. lesion and the aggressive, unrelenting nature of the The distinction between MCD and FSGS is critical, collapsing variants (21,22). It is with this in mind that the because both present with proteinuria, podocyte injury, variants are included in standard pathology reports. More and minimal immune deposits. For the biopsy to exclude recently, efforts to identify genetic drivers of FSGS in at-risk FSGS as a cause of nephrotic syndrome and assess the populations have gained momentum, with the most recent degree of cortical involvement, adequate renal cortical sam- addition including the APOL1 genetic variant as a major pling is required. The involvement of glomeruli in focal association with FSGS in individuals of sub-Saharan African glomerular processes follows a binomial distribution, and descent with FSGS (23). thus, for focal disease, more glomeruli are necessary to

Table 1. Data relevant in evaluating a patient with the histologic diagnosis of FSGS

Relevant Clinical History Laboratory Data Renal Biopsy Findings

Family history of kidney disease Serum albumin before therapy FSGS histologic variant Birth weight, gestational age at Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio Glomerular size (glomerulomegaly) birth, congenital cyanotic heart disease Sickle cell disease Change in urine protein-to- Electron microscopy: extent of foot creatinine ratio after maximal process effacement; podocyte renin-angiotensin-aldosterone mircrovillus transformation therapy and dietary sodium restriction History consistent with reflux Change in urine protein-to- Electron microscopy: nephropathy or reduced renal creatinine ratio after tubuloreticular inclusions in mass immunosuppressive therapy glomerular endothelial cells (IFN effect) Peak and present body mass index: obesity, extreme muscular development Viralinfection:HIV,cytomegalovirus Medication, past or present: IFN, lithium, bisphosphonate, androgen abuse, chronic use of nephrotoxic drugs

Modified from Kopp (24), with permission. 504 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

Figure 1. | Histopathology of minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Minimal change disease shows patent glomeruli intheabsenceoftubulointersitialscarring(silverstain,340).ThetiplesionrepresentsafocaladhesionoftheglomerulartufttoBowman’scapsulenear the proximal tubule takeoff (silver stain, 3400). The most common forms of FSGS seen in adaptive FSGS and across all etiologies of FSGS are the perihilar variant (periodic acid–Schiff stain, 340) and nototherwise specifiedpattern (silver stain, 3400). The most distinctive variant is thecollapsing variant (collapsing glomerulopathy; silver stain, 340). A specific instance of collapsing variant can be appreciated in the setting of endothelial tubuloreticular inclusions seen onultrastructural analysis. These may beobserved in high IFNstates, including viral infection andexogenous IFN.The red arrowhead indicates the relative response to therapy and propensity of progression of these various forms, with minimal change disease and tip lesion being most responsive and least progressive and collapsing glomerulopathy being most therapy resistant and rapidly progressing. observe an affected glomerulus (27,28). There is also zonal involvement. This suggests caution when making treatment proclivity for FSGS, such that juxtamedullary/inner cortex recommendations on the basis of the extent of involved glomeruli are the first affected progressing to involve the glomeruli (Supplemental Figure 1). outer cortex at a later stage of disease (24). Fogo et al. (29) The Columbia classification of FSGS recognized five further show that the focality of sclerotic lesions is greater in morphologic patterns, all of which involve obliteration of children than in adults, suggesting a need for more com- the capillary lumens and for the most part, have good prehensive sampling. Differential staining patterns for syn- reproducibility across independent observers (20,32) (Fig- aptopodin (30) and dystroglycan (31) may distinguish ure 2). Two distinctive forms are the tip lesion and the steroid-sensitive MCD versus steroid-resistant MCD (likely collapsing variant. Tip lesions affect the portion of the unsampled FSGS) and FSGS. glomerular tuft juxtaposed to the tubular pole. Abnormal- A simulation study has highlighted two issues with ities include adhesion to Bowman’s capsule at the tip, respect to diagnostic yield of renal biopsies in FSGS (28). (1) hypercellularity, presence of foam cells, and/or sclerosis. If glomerular scars are uniformly distributed in a biopsy By contrast, the collapsing variant shows segmental or with 10–30 glomeruli, the diagnostic accuracy for the global mesangial consolidation and loss of endocapillary detection of at least one scarred glomerulus will be 80% patency in association with extracapillary epithelial hyper- when at least 10% of juxtamedullary glomeruli or 20% of trophy and/or proliferation. Microcystic tubular dilation is other cortical glomeruli are scarred. (2) With an average of frequently present. The perihilar and NOS variants are 20 glomeruli with 20%–60% glomerular sclerosis, the determined by whether the segmental sclerosis/segmental predicted error rate is 650% for extent of glomerular obliteration of capillary loops with matrix increase (with or lnJA o eho 2 0–1,Mrh 2017 March, 502–517, 12: Nephrol Soc Am J Clin

Table 2. Characteristic clinical and pathology features of the six forms of FSGS

Infection/ Characteristic Medication- Primary FSGS Adaptive FSGS APOL1 FSGS Genetic FSGS Inflammation Features Associated FSGS Associated

Mechanism of Circulating factor, Mismatch between APOL1 variant– High-penetrance Postulated role of Presumed direct Podocyte Injury possibly a metabolic load and initiated genetic variants IFN and effect on cytokine glomerular capacity inflammation (Mendelian or possible other podocytes mitochondrial cytokines inheritance) History Acute onset of Reduced renal mass: Family history, Family history, HIV, CMV, Bisphosphonate, edema low birth weight, may be may be possible: lithium oligomeganephronia, unremarkable unremarkable parvovirus B19, ureteral reflux, with recessive Still disease, morbid obesity; inheritance natural killer increased single- genes cell leukemia nephron GFR: cyanotic congenital heart disease, sickle cell anemia Laboratory tests Many have high- Any level of proteinuria, Any level of Any level of Any level of Any level of grade serum albumin may proteinuria proteinuria proteinuria proteinuria proteinuria and be normal nephrotic syndrome Renal Widespread foot Large glomeruli, May resemble Variable Variable Variable pathology process perihilar sclerosis primary or effacement variant most typical, adaptive forms partial foot process effacement Treatment and May respond to Responds well to RAAS May respond to High-penetrance Treat the virus Stop the response IST antagonism, often therapies used genetic medication with .50% for primary and mutations: proteinuria reduction adaptive forms usually does not respond to

IST 505 al. et Rosenberg FSGS, Recurrence Possible Unlikely Possible Unlikely Possible if Unlikely after renal infection/ transplant inflammation persists

CMV, cytomegalovirus; IST, immunosuppressive therapy; RAAS, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; CG, collaspsing glomerulopathy. Modified from Kopp (24), with permission. 506 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

Figure 2. | The six forms of FSGS. These syndromes include three forms that are most common, including primary FSGS, adaptive FSGS, and APOL1FSGS.TheseformsareprobablyofapproximatelyequalprevalenceintheUnitedStatesadultpopulation.Threeforms areless common, including genetic FSGS (by which is meant high-penetrance genetic causes), medication-associated FSGS, and viral FSGS. The approximate relative distribution of these variants in the United States population at present is shown by the size each cloud, although firm data on prevalence are lacking. The absolute frequencyof these FSGS forms is influenced by race/ethnicity (particularly in the frequency of APOL1 risk variants),age(children arelesslikelytohaveadaptiveFSGS),andthefrequencyofexposurestotoxins(e.g.,heroin)andmedicationsandhaving viruses (e.g., HIV). without hyalinosis) involves the segment near the hilum or that IgM may bind neoepitopes in the mesangium that are the specific segment cannot be determined, respectively. exposed after nonimmune injury, resulting in complement The cellular lesion is perhaps the most difficult lesion to deposition and glomerular injury. identify reproducibly and shows segmental endocapillary Ultrastructural examination adds to the assessment in hypercellularity occluding lumens with or without foam three ways. First, it can exclude the presence of immune cells and karyorrhexis (32). Some biopsies will show complexes and abnormal deposits, such as amyloid. Sec- multiple morphologic lesions (33,34), and the Columbia ond, it can exclude basement membrane abnormalities seen classification suggests a hierarchy for diagnosis, such that the in genetic disorders of collagen; the appearance of COL4 presence of the higher-ranking lesion determines the clinical mutations among the list of genes associated with FSGS course: collapsing variant, tip lesion, cellular variant, peri- suggests that the alterations in basement membrane at the hilar variant, and lastly, NOS (reviewed in Stokes and ultrastructural level may be subtle or undetectable. Third, D’Agati [35]). Including the pattern of FSGS has standardized it can provide an estimate of the severity of podocyte the reporting of FSGS lesions and provides prognostic injury (fractional foot process effacement) and injury information. Nonetheless, this classification system was pattern (microvillus transformation). Mean foot process designed to rely solely on pathologic criteria and does not width is greater in primaryFSGScomparedwithadap- integrate these findings with clinical and genetic information. tive FSGS and may serve as a helpful, although subtle, Complete renal pathologic evaluation includes immu- clue (38). nofluorescence analysis and electron microscopy, which The use of all three renal pathology modalities (light help to exclude focal and segmental glomerular scarring as microscopy, electron microscopy, and staining for Ig and an injury pattern that can be seen as an element of any complement) is critical in making the distinction between chronic progressive renal diseases, including lupus nephri- MCD and FSGS. Extensive podocyte injury at the ultra- tis, IgA nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy (36). As structural level with adequate numbers of normal-appearing such, to avoid confusion, it is probably best to avoid using glomeruli and nonscarred tubulointerstitium by light the term FSGS in this setting. Low or moderate amounts of microscopy suggests MCD. Nevertheless, individuals IgM are frequently present in the mesangium of patients with a diagnosis of MCD who are resistant to glucocor- with FSGS. Thurman and colleagues (37) have proposed ticoid therapy or manifest deterioration in renal function Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 502–517, March, 2017 FSGS, Rosenberg et al. 507

may have FSGS that was not sampled on the first biopsy striking case that supports the cytokine hypothesis, a kid- and is shown on a subsequent renal biopsy. ney was transplanted into a recipient with FSGS; proteinuria developed, and the transplanted kidney showed podocyte foot process effacement. Subsequently, the kidney was re- Mechanisms of Disease moved and transplanted into a patient with ESRD due to FSGS is a diverse syndrome that arises after podocyte injury diabetes, and in the new host, the kidney functioned well from diverse causes: some known and others unknown (39). without proteinuria (43). Current candidates for the recurrent The sources of podocyte injury are varied (circulating factors FSGS factor, reviewed recently (44), include cardiotrophin- [primary FSGS], genetic abnormalities, viral infection, and like cytokine factor 1 (45), apoA1b (an isoform of ApoA1) medication), although the effect on podocytes is similar. For (46), anti-CD40 antibody (47), and serum urine–type plas- the most part, the interplay among these drivers is unclear and minogen activator receptor (suPAR) (48). The role of suPAR likely complex. For instance, adaptive FSGS involves both remains controversial (49). suPAR levels were reported in podocyte stress (a mismatch between glomerular load and FSGS and other primary glomerular diseases (50). In primary glomerular capacity) and a genetic susceptibility. Wiggins and and adaptive FSGS (51), elevated levels may (52) or may not colleagues (40) have elegantly shown this in a rat model that (53) predict glucocorticoid sensitivity, and a role for different combines genetic susceptibility, renal mass reduction (unin- forms of suPAR has been suggested as reviewed recently ephrectomy), and obesity (increased glomerular load). (54). Recurrent FSGS plasma affects the cytoskeleton of Importantly, podocyte injury from any of the forms of cultured podocytes, including promoting cell mobility by FSGS (or from other glomerular diseases) will initiate a phosphorylating vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (55) similar process, resulting in the pathologic features of and disassembling focal adhesion complexes (56). The lack of adaptive FSGS. suitable animal models has hindered progress in this area. It is thought that there is progressive loss of injured It is quite likely that other patients with what is now podocytes into the urinary space. Podocyte depletion arising diagnosed as primary FSGS will be reassigned to alterna- from an inability to replicate (although nuclear division may tive etiologies, including new genes, environmental factors, occur, at least in animals) and results in podocyte catastro- and/or microorganisms. phe (41). To balance this deficit, podocytes compensate by Primary FSGS has several prototypical characteristics. It hypertrophy to cover more of the glomerular capillary is probably the most common form in adolescents and surface. In a recent insightful and provocative review, Kriz young adults, although it may occur at any age. It is com- and Lemley (42) proposed that shear stress forces on monly associated with nephrotic-range proteinuria (some- podocytes are a critical factor driving podocyte injury. In times massive), reduced plasma albumin levels, and adaptive FSGS, glomerular hypertrophy occurs early in the hyperlipidemia. Histologically, it may manifest as the tip disease process; in other forms of FSGS and other glomer- variant, collapsing variant, or NOS variant. ular diseases, glomerular hypertrophy occurs with pro- Current therapy for primary FSGS is on the basis of im- gressive nephron loss, leading to increased pressures and munosuppressive agents; it is now apparent that a number of flows in the remaining patent glomeruli. these, including glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors, The following sections address pathologic mechanisms, directly modulate the podocyte phenotype (57). Recently, it therapy, and treatment for each of the FSGS syndromes. has been shown that the effects of glucocorticoids may be The typical onset ages and approximate relative incidence mediated by Krüppel factor 15, a zinc finger transcription factor rates are shown schematically in Supplemental Figure 1. (57,58). In a recent retrospective case series involving 476 subjects, the use of glucocorticoids and/or cyclosporin was associated with improved outcomes compared to no immu- Primary FSGS nosuppression, with a hazard ratio of 0.49 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.86) Primary FSGS is a distinct entity,andparadoxically,itisbest for ESRD whereas the use of cyclosporine with or without defined, at this time, as what it is not (i.e., not one of the other glucocorticoids was not associated with benefitHR0.42(95% forms of FSGS). As a practical matter, this means assessing the CI, 0.15 to 1.18) (59). Despite the limitations of a retrospective likelihood of other forms. This includes ruling out adaptive study design, this provides new evidence to support therapy. FSGS (by medical history, peak or current body weight, renal Recurrent FSGS remains a vexing clinical problem. The biopsy features, serum albumin, or proteinuria response to histologic variant in the native kidney does not predict re- renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system [RAAS] antagonism), currence, although it is notable that only one of 77 initial kidney genetic FSGS (via genetic test panels on the basis of family biopsies from subjects who subsequently had recurrent FSGS history and age of onset), viral FSGS (by appropriate virologic showed the perihilar variant (60). Therapy with plasma ex- testing), and medication-associated FSGS (by medication change may induce a remission, typically temporary. Canaud history). Emerging data support that APOL1-associated et al. (61) reported favorable results from a small series of adult FSGS may make up yet another form of primary FSGS. subjects (n510) with a regimen that included glucocorticoids The mechanism of podocyte injury in at least some pa- and cyclosporin initially administered intravenously. tients with primary FSGS likely involves a circulating factor, possibly a cytokine that makes particular subjects susceptible. The best evidence for a circulating factor comes from the Adaptive FSGS experience with recurrent FSGS immediately (on a scale of Adaptive FSGS, which has also been called, perhaps hours to several weeks) after kidney transplant. The cyto- more accurately, postadaptive FSGS (62), arises after a kine or cytokines responsible for recurrent FSGS after period of nephron-level glomerular hyperfiltration and kidney transplant remain to be defined. In an unusual and glomerular hypertension after pathophysiology as identified 508 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

by Brenner and Mackenzie (63). Total GFR may be elevated, clues. Other genes are associated with therapeutic response. normal, or decreased at the outset. (Table 5 does not include genes associated with steroid- Conditions that are associated with an increase in total sensitive nephrotic syndrome, for which renal biopsies have kidney GFR include congenital cyanotic heart disease (64), not been done. Some genetic variants shown in Table 5 are sickle cell anemia (65), obesity (66), androgen abuse (67), associated with glucocorticoid sensitivity; e.g., PTPRO [74]). sleep apnea (68), and high-protein diet. The duration of Should patients with FSGS undergo genetic testing? The single-nephron glomerular hyperfiltration is typically mea- answer to this question remains unclear. With regard to sured in decades before progressive glomerulosclerosis pediatric patients, Hildebrandt and coworkers (75) have eventually reduces total GFR. Conditions associated with suggested that every family with a child who has FSGS reduced renal mass include prematurity and/or small for deserves to be offered an opportunity to have a genetic gestation age (69), renal anomalies, reflux nephropathy, diagnosis (RE). Benefits of this approach may include a and AKI. Any chronic glomerular or tubular disease may guide to appropriate therapy (e.g., avoidance of glucocor- reduce the total nephron function and result in adaptive ticoids except for in genetic forms that may be responsive FSGS that is superimposed on the primary disorder. and coenzyme Q10 therapy for particular mitochondrial Adaptive FSGS arises from the processes described mutations), prognosis (typical native kidney outcomes and above involving increased single-nephron GFR (often likelihood of transplant recurrence), and family issues (iden- with intraglomerular hypertension), leading to progressive tification of disease in other family members and prenatal cycles of glomerular hypertrophy; podocyte hypertrophy, testing). To be sure, caution is warranted, in that systematic stress, and depletion; and synechia formation and excess studies of the response of genetic forms of FSGS to various extracellular matrix deposition within the glomerulus as therapies have not been carried out. High-penetrance genetic described so well by Kriz and Lemley (70). causesaremorelikelytobeidentified in childhood nephrotic Renal biopsy features that support the diagnosis of adaptive syndrome (approximately 60%) than in that in older children FSGS include large glomeruli, a preponderance of perihilar and adolescents (approximately 5%), with lower rates in scars among glomeruli showing sclerotic changes, and only adults (75,76). Genetic testing in adults with FSGS is in- partial foot process effacement. Clinical features include a dicated where there is a family history, because some genes normal serum albumin, which is unusual in primary FSGS. A have mutations associated with autosomal dominant muta- complete response to RAAS antagonism, particularly when tions (IFN2 and ATCN4). combined with sodium restriction and a rise or normalization What is the most appropriate and cost-effective way to of serum albumin, supports the diagnosis of adaptive FSGS, carry out genetic testing? When a family has not had gene although it does not exclude other forms of FSGS. testing previously that identified a specific gene, the most effective approach is to use panels that focus on early-onset FSGS (infant and early childhood) or adult-onset FSGS. Genetic FSGS Genetic test resources around the world are available at the Genetic FSGS takes two forms. First, some patients are Genetic Test Registry, National Center for Biotechnology associated with variants in susceptibility genes (i.e.,some Information, National Institutes of Health (http://www.ncbi. individuals with a particular variant will develop FSGS, and nlm.nih.gov/gtr). other individuals will not). By far, the most common exam- A more comprehensive approach is a whole-exome scan, ple of this is the newly identified association with APOL1 as which provides DNA sequence for the approximately 180,000 discussed below. Other genetic risk loci include PDSS1 (71) exons that make up the approximately 22,000 human genes; and numerous others (72,73). More are likely to be discovered this may, in the near future, replace the use of selected gene in the near future. Second, other patients are associated with panels. Genetic testing may identify known mutations that high-penetrance mutations that manifest either Mendelian prior experience has shown are associated with FSGS, but it inheritance (for nuclear genes) or maternal inheritance (for may also identify protein-altering mutations (e.g., missense genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA). The number of genes mutations that change an amino acid or introduce a stop associated with FSGS rises every year, in large part because codon) of unknown significance. With comprehensive ge- of the dissemination of whole-exome sequencing. To date, netic exploration, there is also the possibility of unexpected at least 38 genes have been identified as shown in Table 3 . identification of genetic variants that have significance for (For simplicity, genes such as CFH and C3, which represent the individual and family. An advisory group from the distinct syndromes that could be mistaken for FSGS when American College of Human Genetics has provided a ultrastructure examination is not performed, have not been recommended list of 56 genes for which variants that are listed in Table 3. Other genes that have provisionally been likely to be disease associated should be reported to the associated with FSGS but lack the robust data needed to individual or family; this list will likely expand over time firmly establish causality are not shown [e.g., ACLS4, ALG1, (77). Therapy for genetic FSGS is generally conservative and NEIL1, PMM2, PODLX, SYNPO,andZEB1]). on the basis of RAAS antagonism. Calcineurin inhibitors Some genes are associated with a syndrome that includes may have an effect in a minority of patients (78). As noted extrarenal manifestations, and this can provide a clinical above, coenzyme Q10 may benefit individuals with muta- clue that a patient might have a mutation in a particular tions in certain mitochondrial defects. gene. Some genes are associated with characteristic changes in basement membrane morphology (e.g., LXMB1 and COL4A3–5) or mitochondrial morphology (e.g., the genes Virus-Associated FSGS associated with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acido- Among infections, viruses are predominantly implicated sis, stroke-like episode syndrome) that may provide such in causing FSGS. HIV-1 is strongly associated with FSGS, lnJA o eho 2 0–1,Mrh 2017 March, 502–517, 12: Nephrol Soc Am J Clin

Table 3. Genetic FSGS: Genetic variants with syndromes with Mendelian and mitochondrial inheritance

Slit DNA Repair, Cytoskeleton Mitochondria Cell Cell Matrix Diaphragm Transcription, Lysosome Cilia and Related Function Signaling Complex Nuclear Transport Nonsyndromic COL4A3 NPHS (nephrin) ACTN4 INF2 WT 1 (Denys–Drash, PLCE1 TTC21B Frasier) COL4A4 NPHS2 (podocin) INF2 NUP95 TRPC6 COL4A5 CD2AP AHRGP24 NUP203 PTPRO (GLEPP1) AHRGDIA XP05 (exportin 5) MYO1E NXF5 (nuclear export factor 5) PAX2 Syndromic ITGB4 (epidermolysiss MYH9 (Esptein, INF2 (Charcot– WT1 (Denys–Drash, KANK4 SCARB2 (action bullosa) Fechtner) Marie–Tooth) Frasier) myoclonus) LAMB2 (Pearson) MT-TL1, MT-TL2 LMX1B (Nail-patella) tRNA leucine (MELAS)a MT-TY, tRNA tyrosine (MELAS)a COQ2 SMARCAL1 (Schimke immune-osseous dysplasia) COQ6 NXF5 PDSS2 (Leigh) EYA1 (Branchio-oto- renal) ADCK WDR73 (Galloway– Mowat, nephrocerebellar syndrome) LMNA (partial lipodystrophy) 5 5 5 7 11 3 1 1

Genetic FSGS can be categorized as susceptibility genes (not shown; e.g., APOL1) and genes with Mendelian and mitochondrial inheritance (38 genes shown above); genes for which casual 509 al. et Rosenberg FSGS, evidence is not yet entirelyconvincing orassociations are with unbiopsied nephroticsyndromeare omitted. Thesegene products are located invarious podocytecellcompartments, although some proteins are present in more than one location (the number of genes in each compartment are tabulated in the last row). Nonsyndromic genes are those in which mutations are associated with manifestations only in the kidney; syndromic genes are those in which mutations are also associated with extrarenal manifestations, in some cases with variable penetrance (some individuals with certain mutations may have a purely renal phenotype). For some diseases, eponyms or syndromic names are provided in parentheses. Most genes affecting mitochondrial function are encoded by nuclear genes. MELAS, mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes. aThe two MELAS genes are encoded by mitochondrial DNA and show mitochondrial inheritance. 510 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

particularly the collapsing glomerulopathy variant, al- APOL1-associated FSGS is a major form of FSGS in though other variants are also seen (79). The mechanisms countries with individuals of sub-Saharan African descent. likely involve direct infection of podocytes (80). A similar The effect is largely recessive, requiring two risk alleles, renal syndrome can be reproduced in transgenic mice although in certain situations (e.g., HIV-positive South bearing HIV-1 Nef (81) or Vpr (82) accessory proteins, Africans), a single copy of a risk allele G1 has a significant suggesting possible mechanisms. association with HIVAN (84). In the United States, ap- Interestingly, the effect of HIV on podocytes is strongest proximately 40% of ESRD attributed to FSGS occurs in in individuals with two APOL1 risk alleles, with an odds blacks, and of this, 72% is associated with APOL1 genetic ratio of 29 in the United States (83) and an odds ratio of 89 variants (83); thus, approximately one third of FSGS in the in South Africa (84). Most individuals with HIV-associated United States is associated with APOL1 variants. nephropathy (HIVAN) have one or two APOL1 risk alleles. APOL1-associated FSGS can present in various ways: it Other viruses that have been implicated in causing FSGS may present as a primary FSGS, with severe nephrotic include cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, and Epstein-Barr syndrome, or as recurrence after kidney transplant, or it virus, with the evidence perhaps stronger for cytomegalovirus manifest as adaptive FSGS with preserved serum albumin compared with the others (reviewed in Chandra and Kopp [85]). and minimal edema. One setting in which the adaptive Certain parasites have also been associated with FSGS, processes drive APOL1 FSGS is perhaps the report that presumably by stimulating innate immune pathways in APOL1 variants are associated with proteinuric sickle cell ways that injure podocytes. These include Plasmodium nephropathy (97), although a systematic study of kidney (malaria) (86), Schistosoma mansoni (87), and filiariasis (88), histology in APOL1-associated sickle nephropathy is still although these seem to be rare events given the frequency lacking. APOL1 high-risk alleles are strongly associated with of these infections. collapsing glomerulopathy in several settings: (1)HIVAN,in which 72% have two APOL1 high-risk alleles (83), and (2)the use of exogenous IFN (98) and in lupus (99). Medication-Associated FSGS Emerging data support defining APOL1 FSGS as a sep- There is a relatively short list of medications that cause arate category of FSGS. First, the APOL1 risk alleles repre- FSGS. IFN-a,-b,or-g therapy has been associated with the sented confer susceptibility, but most subjects with two risk development of collapsing glomerulopathy in a case series alleles will not develop kidney disease; thus, APOL1 differs of 11 subjects (89). from the high-penetrance genetic variants in most other Several other medications have been associated with forms of genetic FSGS. Second, APOL1 FSGS is by far the FSGS; a genetic predisposition is plausible but has not been most common form of genetic FSGS in countries with shown. Bisphosphonates are associated with podocyte substantial African descent populations. Third, the diagnosis injury, including MCD, FSGS, and particularly, collapsing of APOL1 FSGS may have implications for prognosis, with FSGS (collapsing glomerulopathy) as first reported by more rapid progression to ESRD, and it may have impli- Markowitz et al. (89). As in HIVAN, the abundant cells in cations for the selection of living donors. Fourth, novel Bowman’s space are derived from the parietal epithelium therapeutics may become available that target APOL1 (90). The mechanism by which bisphosphonates act re- variant–driven molecular pathways. mains obscure. Lithium therapy has been associated with MCD, which typically reverses within weeks after stopping the medication, and FSGS, which may also be revers- Therapeutic Approaches ible (91). The mechanism of podocyte injury, if that is the Therapy should be individualized on the basis of the mechanism, remains to be determined. Sirolimus, partic- particular form of FSGS as well as factors particular to the ularly when the plasma levels are high, has been associated patient, such as age and comorbidities. Therapy for pri- with FSGS (92) as well as exacerbating preexisting FSGS mary FSGS and in rare instances, genetic FSGS, particularly (93). Anthracycline medications, including doxorubicin when nephrotic proteinuria is present, involves the use of (Adriamcyin) and daunomycin, have been associated medications that are immunosuppressive but also have with FSGS (94), and doxorubicin, a podocyte toxin, has direct effects on podocytes. These therapies are summa- been widely used to generate a mouse model of FSGS (95). rized in Tables 4 and 5 and discussed below. A compre- hensive analysis of approaches to steroid-sensitive and -resistant FSGS is available from the Kidney Diseases Improv- Emerging Pathologic Mechanisms: APOL1-Associated ing Global Outcomes initiative, and the reader is referred FSGS to this initiative for a detailed and thoughtful discussion The identification of genetic variants in APOL1 in pa- (100) as well as recent reviews (13). FSGS may be re- tients with FSGS has been an important discovery for FSGS sponsive to therapy with glucocorticoids, although re- and related diseases. Unlike certain genes that have not lapses are typical. Randomized, controlled trials are few. shown firm causality to FSGS, data are mounting for the Interestingly, functional polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid role of APOL1. Although confirmatory data are required, receptor encoded by NR3C1 have been associated with both the strength and consistency of the genetic association, the relapse and frequent relapse (101). Cyclosporin plus low- exclusion of other genetic variants in this genomic region, dose prednisone was shown in a randomized, controlled trial and the demonstration that the expression of the renal risk to be superior to prednisone alone in preserving renal variants (but not the common allele) causes FSGS in function assessed as creatinine clearance (102). Mycopheno- transgenic mice (96) are highly supportive of the role of late mofetil has not been tested as monotherapy for FSGS, but APOL1 genetic variants as causal for FSGS. it has been tested in combination with glucocorticoids in Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 502–517, March, 2017 FSGS, Rosenberg et al. 511

Table 4. Treatment recommendations for children with FSGS

Setting Therapy Comment

On presentation Prednisone: initially daily and then alternate days Frequently relapsing or Prednisone: initially daily and then steroid dependent alternate days at lowest dose to prevent relapse Same, with steroid-related Alkylating agent (cyclophosphamide or No RCT comparing one agent with adverse events chlorambucil), calcineurin inhibitor, another; listed in alphabetical levamisole, mycophenolate mofetil order Steroid resistant Calcineurin inhibitor Also ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker; sodium restriction If no remission, mycophenolate mofetil, corticosteroids, or both

Recommendations from the Kidney Disease Improving Outcomes Global initiatives. Doses and durations of therapy are provided in Lopez-Hellin et al.(46). In thenosology presentedhere, these recommendations would applyto nephrotic forms of primaryFSGS, APOL1 FSGS, and certain rare forms of genetic FSGS. RCT, randomized, controlled trial; ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme.

three trials against active comparators that were either and saquinivir (116). Achtar gel is unusual in that it was glucocorticoids or cyclosporin (reviewed in Senthil Nayagam approved in the 1950s by the US Food and Drug Admin- et al. [103]). None of the trials showed significant differences istration for nephrotic syndrome under criteria that were between groups, and although sample sizes were small, less stringent than required today. Small case series suggest particularly for noninferiority trials, these data suggest efficacy. limited efficacy of Acthar in some individuals with FSGS Several Cochrane reviews are available covering treat- (117,118) as has been reviewed (119); a randomized, ment of FSGS in adults (104) and children using not only controlled trial is in progress. Galactose, proposed as ther- glucocorticoids (105) but also, other therapies, including apy for recurrent FSGS, has been shown to lack efficacy in cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, levamisole, mizorbine, steroid-resistant primary FSGS in children (120). Sirolimus and rituximab (106,107). Many other agents have been may accelerate progression of FSGS and should be avoided tested in small trials or reported as case series, and they (93). Ongoing and recently completed phase 3 trials have have been the subject of recent reviews (13,108–111). These shown some efficacy with sparsentan, an irbesartan-like agents include the following: adalimumab, an anti-TNF molecule that also antagonizes endothelin receptor, and mAb (112); pirfenidone, an antifibrotic agent that sup- abatacept, a CD80 antagonist (121). presses TGF-b signaling (113); fresolimumab, an anti–TGF-b There is considerable incentive for the pharmaceutical mAb (114); pulse steroids plus cyclophosphamide (115); and biotechnology industry to develop novel therapies for

Table 5. Treatment recommendations for adults with FSGS

Setting Therapy Comment

Nephrotic forms of primary FSGS,a Prednisone, initially daily or Alternate for patients at high risk APOL1 FSGS, certain steroid- alternate daysa for steroid complications: sensitive genetic forms of FSGS calcineurin inhibitorsa Steroid-resistant FSGS with Calcineurin inhibitora nephrotic syndromea (cyclosporin and possibly, tacrolimus) Refractory FSGS with nephrotic Mycophenolate mofetil plus syndromea high-dose dexamethasonea All forms of FSGS with subnephrotic ACE inhibitor and angiotensin Thiazide diuretic may potentiate proteinuria receptor blocker; dietary the antiproteinuric of RAAS sodium restriction antagonism

Therapy doses are in ref. 46. Cyclosporin has been shown effective in randomized, controlled trials, whereas tacrolimus has not. In the nosology presented here, these recommendations would apply, when nephrotic syndrome is present, to primary FSGS, APOL1 FSGS, and certain rare forms of genetic FSGS that may be steroid sensitive. ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; RAAS, renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system. aRecommendations from the Kidney Disease Improving Outcomes Global initiatives for idiopathic FSGS with nephrotic syndrome are extended here to other forms of FSGS as shown. 512 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

FSGS, a rare disease as defined by the US Food and Drug Diabetes in Nephropathy Study of diabetic nephropathy Administration that lacks therapies that are both safe and (median age of 64 years old) showed a trend toward benefit effective. Gipson and colleagues (122) have proposed a new but was stopped early due to safety concerns (129). These paradigm for therapeutics development that involves a deep studies may have limited relevance to younger patients understanding of disease mechanisms in patient subsets, with FSGS, particularly those with preserved GFR, who enriching study populations for subjects most likely to may tolerate this combination better. RAAS antagonism and respond on the basis of those biologic insights, and adaptive particularly, the combination of ACEi and ARB will lower trial designs to improve efficiency (122,123). GFR by reducing efferent arteriolar vascular tone and thus, Medication-associated FSGS can generally be managed reducing intraglomerular capillary pressure, the driving by stopping the offending medication, and virus-associated force for glomerular filtration. Thus, a modest decrease in FSGS can be best addressed by initiating antiviral therapy GFR may be tolerated, providing evidence that RAAS with additional adjunctive therapies as indicated. Cur- antagonism has been achieved. Nevertheless, there are no rently, therapy for APOL1 FSGS is directed toward ad- trials of suitable size to justify this approach from an dressing the other FSGS classes (e.g., primary, adaptive, efficacy or safety standpoint. virus associated, or medication associated) that may coexist An alternate approach to RAAS antagonism is to com- with APOL1 FSGS. Future therapies for cell injury path- bine an ACEi or ARB with an aldosterone antagonist (130). ways initiated by APOL1 variant expression are likely to be This approach may have less effect on reducing glomerular developed. capillary pressure, but aldosterone antagonists are potent The customary definition of response is similar to that of antifibrotic agents. Recent data have shown that aldoste- other nephrotic diseases and assumes baseline proteinuria rone is positioned upstream of multiple profibrotic path- in the nephrotic range (i.e., urine protein-to-creatinine ratio ways and that angiotensin 2 is only one of many stimuli to [uPCR] $2 g/g). First void urine is preferred, because that aldosterone production (131). This combination confers a uPCR most closely correlates with the 24-hour uPCR. risk for hyperkalemia, particularly with reduced GFR; this Complete remission (CR) is defined as uPCR,0.2 g/g, and may be controlled with dietary restriction and diuretics, partial remission (PR) is defined as having 50% reduction although close monitoring may be required. from baseline proteinuria and uPCR,2 g/g. Glucocorticoids have some efficacy in primary FSGS, RAAS antagonism therapy is central to all progressive although they have not been tested against placebo in a CKD, and it is the treatment that directly addresses the randomized, controlled trial. Response rates, defined as CR hemodynamic alterations in adaptive FSGS. RAAS antago- plusPR,tendtobehigherinchildren(oftenapproximately nist therapy also has a role in genetic FSGS (evidence limited 50%) compared with adults. For APOL1 FSGS, response to case reports [124]) and APOL1 FSGS (no published data), rates to glucocorticoids are probably similar to those seen particularly when adaptive hemodynamic mechanisms are in primary FSGS, although the data are limited (83). The likely at work (e.g., an individual who was born prematurely mechanism by which glucocorticoids affect podocytes are is now obese and has a normal serum albumin, despite poorly understood; these agents are known to have direct substantial proteinuria), and may reduce proteinuria in effects on cultured podocytes (132). Recently, it has been primary FSGS adjunctive to immunosuppressive therapies. suggested that these agents can expand the population of RAAS antagonist monotherapy was shown in a retrospective myeloid-derived suppressor cells that downregulate T cell study to be superior to immunotherapy in a pediatric FSGS function (133). Reliable and validated biomarkers of steroid cohort in Philadelphia (with 55% black subjects) (125). As responsiveness would be valuable. There are few data on with all progressive CKD, attention to BP control, smoking, which to base a determination of the appropriate dose and obesity, and serum bicarbonate and urate are indicated, and duration of glucocorticoid therapy. Biomarkers for respon- consideration should be given to statin therapy. siveness to glucocorticoid therapy would be valuable to The effects of RAAS antagonist therapy are potentiated reduce or avoid the need to expose patients to drugs to by dietary sodium restriction and low-dose thiazide diuretic which they will not respond. Preliminary studies that await (126). Although hydrochlorothiazide is the most widely used validation in larger cohorts include the ratio of podocin thiazide diuretic, an alternative is chlorthalidone, which has mRNA to synaptopodin mRNA, particularly when the certain features to recommend its more widespread use: it diagnostic uncertainty with regard to MCD versus FSGS has longer duration of action, it is more kaliuretic (particu- exists (134). Immunohistochemical detection of reduced larly helpful when low GFR compromises potassium excre- expression of synaptopodin and receptor-type tyrosine- tion), and it has been shown to improve cardiovascular protein phosphatase O (PTPRO or GLEPP1) may be useful outcomes, which other thiazides have not been shown to do. in identifying steroid-resistant patients (135). Conversely, The issue of combining an angiotensin-converting en- reduced eGFR at presentation does not predict nonrespon- zyme inhibitor (ACEi) and an angiotensin receptor blocker siveness to glucorticoids (136). (ARB) is fraught with uncertainty. A meta-analysis of this Calcineurin inhibitors, including cyclosporin and tacro- combination therapy in IgA nephropathy suggested pro- limus, are mainstays of FSGS therapy for both steroid- teinuria reduction compared with single therapy, but sensitive individuals who cannot tolerate continued steroid only one study involved subjects with nephrotic-range pro- therapy and steroid-resistant FSGS. Cyclosporin was teinuria (127). The Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in shown superior to placebo in the North American collab- Combination with Ramipril Global End Point Trial Study orative trial of steroid-resistant FSGS, with the primary showed that this combination is associated with adverse outcome of CR or PR occurring in 70% with cyclosporin cardiovascular outcomes in an older population with a high and 4% with placebo (102). Similarly, an open label study prevalence of cardiovascular disease (128); similarly, the VA of cyclosporin in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 502–517, March, 2017 FSGS, Rosenberg et al. 513

China showed a 75% response rate (137). The FSGS Clinical References Trial, which enrolled mostly children, showed that response 1. Chen YM, Liapis H: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Molec- rates are similar for cyclosporin and mycophenolate mofetil ular genetics and targeted therapies. BMC Nephrol 16: 101, 2015 2. D’Agati VD, Kaskel FJ, Falk RJ: Focal segmental glomerulo- in blacks with and without high-risk APOL1 genotypes, sclerosis. N Engl J Med 365: 2398–2411, 2011 although group sizes were small (138). Although patients 3. Gbadegesin R, Lavin P, Foreman J, Winn M: Pathogenesis and may relapse when calcineurin inhibitors are discontinued, therapy of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: An update. many subjects remain in remission. Pediatr Nephrol 26: 1001–1015, 2011 A number of novel therapies have been explored in small 4. Sethi S, Glassock RJ, Fervenza FC: Focal segmental glomer- ulosclerosis: Towards a better understanding for the practicing trials. Some of these therapies have some promise, includ- nephrologist. Nephrol Dial Transplant 30: 375–384, 2015 ing pirfenidone (113) and saquinivir (116). Other therapies 5. D’Agati VD: Pathobiology of focal segmental glomerulo- that have been shown to be ineffective or even harmful sclerosis: New developments. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 21: include sirolimus (93), galactose (139), and adalimumab 243–250, 2012 6. Fogo AB: Causes and pathogenesis of focal segmental glomer- (mAb directed against TNF) (139). Other immunosuppres- ulosclerosis. Nat Rev Nephrol 11: 76–87, 2015 sive agents that have been used include azathioprine and 7. Mondini A, Messa P, Rastaldi MP: The sclerosing glomerulus in mizoribine, although limited data for their success are mice and man: Novel insights. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 23: available. 239–244, 2014 Recently, there has been a surge of interest in developing 8. Schell C, Huber TB: New players in the pathogenesis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 27: new therapies for FSGS and other primary glomerular 3406–3412, 2012 diseases, all of which are defined as rare by the US Food 9. Kiffel J, Rahimzada Y, Trachtman H: Focal segmental glomer- and Drug Administration, and therefore, new therapies ulosclerosis and chronic kidney disease in pediatric patients. have certain commercial benefits. This is an exciting time Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 18: 332–338, 2011 for researchers of FSGS, and this is a time that patients 10. Kronbichler A, Leierer J, Oh J, Meijers B, Shin JI: Immunologic changes implicated in the pathogenesis of focal segmental with FSGS and their families have reason for cautious glomerulosclerosis. BioMed Res Int 2016: 2150451, 2016 optimism. Ongoing or recently completed trials within the 11. Sethna CB, Gipson DS: Treatment of FSGS in children. Adv United States include a phase 1 study of N-acetyl mannosamine Chronic Kidney Dis 21: 194–199, 2014 (metabolic precursor of sialic acid) and phase 2/3 studies 12. Coppo R: Different targets for treating focal segmental glomer- fi ular sclerosis. Contrib Nephrol 181: 84–90, 2013 of sparsentan (a modi ed form of irbesartan that also antag- 13. Korbet SM: Treatment of primary FSGS in adults. JAmSoc onizes endothelin-1), abatacept (a fusion protein that targets Nephrol 23: 1769–1776, 2012 CD80), Acthar (pituitary extract), fresolimumab (mAb directed 14. Meyrier A: Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis: Multiple against TGF-b), isotretinion (retinoic acid derivative), and pathways are involved. Semin Nephrol 31: 326–332, 2011 losmapimod (an mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibi- 15. McGrogan A, Franssen CF,de Vries CS: The incidence of primary fl glomerulonephritis worldwide: A systematic review of the lit- tor). Trials in other countries are studying dapagli ozin erature. Nephrol Dial Transplant 26: 414–430, 2011 (Canada), lipoprotein removal (Japan), and mesenchymal 16. Briganti EM, Dowling J, Finlay M, Hill PA, Jones CL, Kincaid- stem cell therapy (Iran). Given the diverse forms of FSGS and Smith PS, Sinclair R, McNeil JJ, Atkins RC: The incidence of the multiple molecular pathways involved in the pathogen- biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis in Australia. Nephrol Dial esis of each form, it is critical that these trials and future trials Transplant 16: 1364–1367, 2001 fi 17. Sim JJ, Batech M, Hever A, Harrison TN, Avelar T, Kanter MH, characterize subjects with suf cient depth to determine the Jacobsen SJ: Distribution of biopsy-proven presumed primary characteristics of responders and nonresponders. glomerulonephropathies in 2000-2011 among a racially and eth- FSGS comprises a complex set of syndromes, most with nically diverse US population. Am J Kidney Dis 68: 533–544, 2016 multiple causes, and hence, FSGS represents a diagnostic 18. Kitiyakara C, Eggers P, Kopp JB: Twenty-one-year trend in ESRD due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in the United States. challenge that requires close and thoughtful collaboration Am J Kidney Dis 44: 815–825, 2004 between patient, family, nephrologist, pathologist, and 19. Asinobi AO, Ademola AD, Okolo CA, Yaria JO: Trends in the geneticist to gather the necessary data. Information from histopathology of childhood nephrotic syndrome in Ibadan clinical history, laboratory testing, renal biopsy, and in Nigeria: Preponderance of idiopathic focal segmental glomer- some patients, genetic testing can be used to identify which ulosclerosis. BMC Nephrol 16: 213, 2015 20. D’Agati VD, Fogo AB, Bruijn JA, Jennette JC: Pathologic classi- syndrome is present, guide therapy, and provide prognos- fication of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A working pro- tic information. Many forms of FSGS tend to progress to posal. Am J Kidney Dis 43: 368–382, 2004 ESRD, but new therapies are being tested that may improve 21. Silverstein DM, Craver R: Presenting features and short-term the prognosis. outcome according to pathologic variant in childhood primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2: 700–707, 2007 Acknowledgments 22. Thomas DB, Franceschini N, Hogan SL, Ten Holder S, Jennette The authors gratefully acknowledge the editorial assistance of CE, Falk RJ,JennetteJC: Clinicalandpathologiccharacteristicsof Dr. Carla Nester, who improved the organization and clarity of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis pathologic variants. Kidney this manuscript. Int 69: 920–926, 2006 This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program, 23. Genovese G, Friedman DJ, Ross MD, Lecordier L, Uzureau P, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Freedman BI, Bowden DW, Langefeld CD, Oleksyk TK, Uscinski Knob AL, Bernhardy AJ, Hicks PJ, Nelson GW, Vanhollebeke B, National Institutes of Health and the Departments of Pathology of Winkler CA, Kopp JB, Pays E, Pollak MR: Association of trypa- the Children’s National Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medical nolytic ApoL1 variants with kidney disease in African Ameri- Institutions. cans. Science 329: 841–845, 2010 24. Kopp JB: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and collapsing Disclosures glomerulopathy syndromes. In: Essentials of Chronic Kidney Disease, edited by Fadem SZ, Hauppauge, Nova Science Pub- None. lishers, 2015 514 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

25. Fahr T: Pathologische anatomie des morbus brightii. In: Hand- segmental glomerulosclerosis following transplantation. Am J buch der Speziellen Pathologischen Anatomie und Histologie, Transplant 13: 493–500, 2013 edited by Henke F, Lubarsch O, Berlin, Springer, 1925 47. Delville M, Sigdel TK, Wei C, Li J, Hsieh SC, Fornoni A, Burke 26. Rich AR: A hitherto undescribed vulnerability of the juxtame- GW, Bruneval P, Naesens M, Jackson A, Alachkar N, Canaud G, dullary glomeruli in lipoid nephrosis. Bull Johns Hopkins Hosp Legendre C, Anglicheau D, Reiser J, Sarwal MM: A circulating 100: 173–186, 1957 antibody panel for pretransplant prediction of FSGS recurrence 27. Corwin HL, Schwartz MM, Lewis EJ: The importance of sample after kidney transplantation. Sci Transl Med 6: 256ra136, 2014 size in the interpretation of the renal biopsy. Am J Nephrol 8: 85– 48. Wei C, El Hindi S, Li J, Fornoni A, Goes N, Sageshima J, Maiguel 89, 1988 D, Karumanchi SA, Yap HK, Saleem M, Zhang Q, Nikolic B, 28. Schachter AD: Computational simulation of renal biopsy ac- Chaudhuri A, Daftarian P, Salido E, Torres A, Salifu M, Sarwal curacy in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Pediatr Nephrol MM, Schaefer F, Morath C, Schwenger V,Zeier M, Gupta V,Roth 21: 953–957, 2006 D, Rastaldi MP, Burke G, Ruiz P, Reiser J: Circulating urokinase 29. Fogo A, Glick AD, Horn SL, Horn RG: Is focal segmental glo- receptor as a cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Nat merulosclerosis really focal? Distribution of lesions in adults and Med 17: 952–960, 2011 children. Kidney Int 47: 1690–1696, 1995 49. Maas RJ, Deegens JK, Wetzels JF: Serum suPAR in patients with 30. Wagrowska-Danilewicz M, Danilewicz M: [Synaptopodin im- FSGS: Trash or treasure? Pediatr Nephrol 28: 1041–1048, 2013 munoexpression in steroid-responsive and steroid-resistant 50. Spinale JM, Mariani LH, Kapoor S, Zhang J, Weyant R, Song PX, minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulo- Wong HN, Troost JP, Gadegbeku CA, Gipson DS, Kretzler M, sclerosis]. Nefrologia 27: 710–715, 2007 Nihalani D, Holzman LB; Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network: 31. Giannico G, Yang H, Neilson EG, Fogo AB: Dystroglycan in the A reassessment of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator diagnosis of FSGS. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 4: 1747–1753, 2009 receptor in glomerular disease. Kidney Int 87: 564–574, 2015 32. Meehan SM, Chang A, Gibson IW, Kim L, Kambham N, Laszik Z: 51. Huang J, Liu G, Zhang YM, Cui Z, Wang F, Liu XJ, Chu R, Chen Y, A study of interobserver reproducibility of morphologic lesions Zhao MH: Plasma soluble urokinase receptor levels are in- of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Virchows Arch 462: creased but do not distinguish primary from secondary focal 229–237, 2013 segmental glomerulosclerosis. Kidney Int 84: 366–372, 2013 33. Han MH, Kim YJ: Practical application of columbia classifica- 52. Peng Z, Mao J, Chen X, Cai F, Gu W, Fu H, Shen H, Wang J, Jin X, tion for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. BioMed Res Int Zhu X, Liu A, Shu Q, Du L: Serum suPAR levels help differentiate 2016: 9375753, 2016 steroid resistance from steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in 34. Schwartz MM, Korbet SM: Primary focal segmental glomer- children. Pediatr Nephrol 30: 301–307, 2015 ulosclerosis: Pathology, histological variants, and pathogenesis. 53. MaasRJ,WetzelsJF,DeegensJK:Serum-solubleurokinasereceptor Am J Kidney Dis 22: 874–883, 1993 concentration in primary FSGS. Kidney Int 81: 1043–1044, 2012 35. Stokes MB, D’Agati VD: Morphologic variants of focal seg- 54. Wada T, Nangaku M: A circulating permeability factor in focal mental glomerulosclerosis and their significance. Adv Chronic segmental glomerulosclerosis: The hunt continues. Clin Kidney J Kidney Dis 21: 400–407, 2014 8: 708–715, 2015 36. Zhong Y, Xu F, Li X, Chen H, Liang S, Zhu X, Liu Z, Zeng C: The 55. Harris JJ, McCarthy HJ, Ni L, Wherlock M, Kang H, Wetzels JF, evolution of morphological variants of focal segmental glo- Welsh GI, Saleem MA: Activeproteases in nephrotic plasma lead merulosclerosis: A repeat biopsy-based observation. Nephrol to a podocin-dependent phosphorylation of VASP in podocytes Dial Transplant 31: 87–95, 2016 via protease activated receptor-1. J Pathol 229: 660–671, 2013 37. Strassheim D, Renner B, Panzer S, Fuquay R, Kulik L, Ljubanovic 56. Kachurina N, Chung CF, Benderoff E, Babayeva S, Bitzan M, D, Holers VM, Thurman JM: IgM contributes to glomerular injury Goodyer PR, Kitzler T, Matar D, Cybulsky AV, Alachkar N, in FSGS. J Am Soc Nephrol 24: 393–406, 2013 Torban E: Novel unbiased assay for circulating podocyte-toxic 38. Deegens JK, Dijkman HB, Borm GF, Steenbergen EJ, van den factors associated with recurrent focal segmental glomerulo- Berg JG, Weening JJ, Wetzels JF: Podocyte foot process efface- sclerosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 310: F1148–F1156, 2015 ment as a diagnostic tool in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. 57. Mallipattu SK, He JC: The podocyte as a direct target for treat- Kidney Int 74: 1568–1576, 2008 ment of glomerular disease? Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 311: 39. Wiggins RC: The spectrum of podocytopathies: A unifying view F46–F51, 2016 of glomerular diseases. Kidney Int 71: 1205–1214, 2007 58. Mallipattu SK, Guo Y, Revelo MP, Roa-Pena L, Miller T, Ling J, 40. Fukuda A, Chowdhury MA, Venkatareddy MP, Wang SQ, Shankland SJ, Bialkowska AB, Ly V, Estrada C, Jain MK, Lu Y, Nishizono R, Suzuki T, Wickman LT, Wiggins JE, Muchayi T, Ma’ayan A, Mehrotra A, Yacoub R, Nord EP,Woroniecki RP,Yang Fingar D, Shedden KA, Inoki K, Wiggins RC: Growth-dependent VW, He JC: Kruppel-like factor 15 mediates glucocorticoid- podocyte failure causes glomerulosclerosis. J Am Soc Nephrol induced restoration of podocyte differentiation markers. 23: 1351–1363, 2012 J Am Soc Nephrol 28: 166–184, 2016 41. Kriz W, Gretz N, Lemley KV: Progression of glomerular diseases: 59. Laurin LP,Gasim AM, Poulton CJ, Hogan SL, Jennette JC, Falk RJ, Is the podocyte the culprit? Kidney Int 54: 687–697, 1998 Foster BJ, Nachman PH: Treatment with glucocorticoids or 42. Kriz W, Lemley KV: A potential role for mechanical forces in the calcineurin inhibitors in primary FSGS. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol detachment of podocytes and the progression of CKD. JAmSoc 11: 386–394, 2016 Nephrol 26: 258–269, 2015 60. Canaud G, Dion D, Zuber J, Gubler MC, Sberro R, Thervet E, 43. Gallon L, Leventhal J, Skaro A, Kanwar Y,Alvarado A: Resolution Snanoudj R, Charbit M, Salomon R, Martinez F, Legendre C, Noel of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after retrans- LH, Niaudet P: Recurrence of nephrotic syndrome after trans- plantation. N Engl J Med 366: 1648–1649, 2012 plantation in a mixed population of children and adults: Course of 44. Komatsu K, Frohlich ED, Ono H, Ono Y, Numabe A, Willis GW: glomerular lesions and value of the Columbia classification of Glomerular dynamics and morphology of aged spontaneously histological variants of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis hypertensive rats. Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (FSGS). Nephrol Dial Transplant 25: 1321–1328, 2010 inhibition. Hypertension 25: 207–213, 1995 61. Canaud G, Zuber J, Sberro R, Royale V,Anglicheau D, Snanoudj 45. Savin VJ, Sharma M, Zhou J, Gennochi D, Fields T, Sharma R, R, Gaha K, Thervet E, Lefre`re F, Cavazzana-Calvo M, Noe¨lLH, McCarthy ET, Srivastava T, Domen J, Tormo A, Gauchat JF: Me´jean A, Legendre C, Martinez F: Intensive and prolonged Renal and hematological effects of CLCF-1, a B-Cell- treatment of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence stimulating cytokine of the IL-6 family. JImmunolRes in adult kidney transplant recipients: A pilot study. Am J 2015: 714964, 2015 Transplant 9: 1081–1086, 2009 46. Lopez-Hellin J, Cantarell C, Jimeno L, Sanchez-Fructuoso A, 62. Barisoni L, Schnaper HW, Kopp JB: A proposed taxonomy for the Puig-Gay N, Guirado L, Vilarino~ N, Gonzalez-Roncero FM, podocytopathies: A reassessment of the primary nephrotic dis- MazuecosA,Lauzurica R, BurgosD,PlumedJS,Jacobs-Cacha C, eases. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2: 529–542, 2007 Jimenez C, Fernandez A, Fernandez-Alvarez P, Torregrosa V, 63. Brenner BM, Mackenzie HS: Nephron mass as a risk factor for Nieto JL, Meseguer A, Alonso A; GREAT Study Group: A form of progression of renal disease. Kidney Int Suppl 63: S124–S127, apolipoprotein a-I is found specifically in relapses of focal 1997 Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 502–517, March, 2017 FSGS, Rosenberg et al. 515

64. Morgan C, Al-Aklabi M, Garcia Guerra G: Chronic kidney 80. Marras D, Bruggeman LA, Gao F,Tanji N, Mansukhani MM, Cara disease in congenitalheartdisease patients:A narrativereviewof A, Ross MD, Gusella GL, Benson G, D’Agati VD, Hahn BH, evidence. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2: 27, 2015 Klotman ME, Klotman PE: Replication and compartmentaliza- 65. Aygun B, Mortier NA, Smeltzer MP, Hankins JS, Ware RE: tion of HIV-1 in kidney epithelium of patients with HIV-asso- Glomerular hyperfiltration and albuminuria in children with ciated nephropathy. Nat Med 8: 522–526, 2002 sickle cell anemia. Pediatr Nephrol 26: 1285–1290, 2011 81. Husain M, Gusella GL, Klotman ME, Gelman IH, Ross MD, 66. Wickman C, Kramer H: Obesity and kidney disease: Potential Schwartz EJ, Cara A, Klotman PE: HIV-1 Nef induces pro- mechanisms. Semin Nephrol 33: 14–22, 2013 liferation and anchorage-independent growth in podocytes. 67. Herlitz LC, Markowitz GS, Farris AB, Schwimmer JA, Stokes MB, J Am Soc Nephrol 13: 1806–1815, 2002 Kunis C, Colvin RB, D’Agati VD: Development of focal seg- 82. Hiramatsu N, Hiromura K, Shigehara T, Kuroiwa T, Ideura H, mental glomerulosclerosis afteranabolic steroid abuse. JAmSoc Sakurai N, Takeuchi S, Tomioka M, Ikeuchi H, Kaneko Y,Ueki K, Nephrol 21: 163–172, 2010 Kopp JB, Nojima Y: Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade 68. Hanly PJ, Ahmed SB: Sleep apnea and the kidney: Is sleep inhibits the development and progression of HIV-associated apnea a risk factor for chronic kidney disease? Chest 146: 1114– nephropathy in a mouse model. J Am Soc Nephrol 18: 515–527, 1122, 2014 2007 69. Ikezumi Y, Suzuki T, Karasawa T, Yamada T, Hasegawa H, 83. KoppJB,Nelson GW,SampathK, JohnsonRC, GenoveseG, An P, Nishimura H, Uchiyama M: Low birthweight and premature Friedman D, Briggs W, Dart R, Korbet S, Mokrzycki MH, Kimmel birth are risk factors for podocytopenia and focal segmental PL, Limou S, Ahuja TS, Berns JS, Fryc J, Simon EE, Smith MC, glomerulosclerosis. Am J Nephrol 38: 149–157, 2013 Trachtman H, Michel DM, Schelling JR, Vlahov D, Pollak M, 70. Kriz W, Lemley KV: Mechanical challenges to the glomerular Winkler CA: APOL1 genetic variants in focal segmental glo- filtration barrier: Adaptations and pathway to sclerosis [pub- merulosclerosis and HIV-associated nephropathy. JAmSoc lished online ahead of print March 23, 2016]. Pediatr Nephrol Nephrol 22: 2129–2137, 2011 doi:10.1007/s00467-016-3358-9 84. Kasembeli AN, Duarte R, Ramsay M, Mosiane P,Dickens C, Dix- 71. Gasser DL, Winkler CA, Peng M, An P, McKenzie LM, Kirk GD, Peek T,Limou S, Sezgin E, Nelson GW,Fogo AB, GoetschS, Kopp Shi Y, Xie LX, Marbois BN, Clarke CF, Kopp JB: Focal segmental JB, Winkler CA, Naicker S: APOL1 risk variants are strongly glomerulosclerosis is associated with a PDSS2 haplotype and, associated with HIV-associated nephropathy in black South independently, with a decreased content of coenzyme Q10. Am Africans. J Am Soc Nephrol 26: 2882–2890, 2015 J Physiol Renal Physiol 305: F1228–F1238, 2013 85. Chandra P, Kopp JB: Viruses and collapsing glomerulopathy: 72. YuH,ArtomovM,Bra¨hlerS,StanderMC,ShamsanG,SampsonMG, A brief critical review. Clin Kidney J 6: 1–5, 2013 White JM, Kretzler M, Miner JH, Jain S, Winkler CA, Mitra RD, Kopp 86. Sehar N, Gobran E, Elsayegh S: Collapsing focal segmental JB, Daly MJ, Shaw AS: A role for genetic susceptibility in sporadic glomerulosclerosis in a patient with acute malaria. Case Rep focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. J Clin Invest 126: 1603, 2016 Med 2015: 420459, 2015 73. Gast C, Pengelly RJ, Lyon M, Bunyan DJ, Seaby EG, Graham N, 87. Martinelli R, Pereira LJ, Brito E, Rocha H: Clinical course of focal Venkat-Raman G, Ennis S: Collagen (COL4A) mutations are the segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with hepatosplenic most frequent mutations underlying adult focal segmental glo- schistosomiasis mansoni. Nephron 69: 131–134, 1995 merulosclerosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 31: 961–970, 2016 88. Pakasa NM, Nseka NM, Nyimi LM: Secondary collapsing glo- 74. Ozaltin F, Ibsirlioglu T, Taskiran EZ, Baydar DE, Kaymaz F, merulopathy associated with Loa loa filariasis. Am J Kidney Dis Buyukcelik M, Kilic BD, Balat A, Iatropoulos P, Asan E, Akarsu 30: 836–839, 1997 NA, Schaefer F, Yilmaz E, Bakkaloglu A; PodoNet Consortium: 89. Markowitz GS, Appel GB, Fine PL, Fenves AZ, Loon NR, Disruption of PTPRO causes childhood-onset nephrotic syn- Jagannath S, Kuhn JA, Dratch AD, D’Agati VD: Collapsing focal drome. Am J Hum Genet 89: 139–147, 2011 segmental glomerulosclerosis following treatment with high- 75. Sadowski CE, Lovric S, Ashraf S, Pabst WL, Gee HY, Kohl S, dose pamidronate. J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 1164–1172, 2001 Engelmann S, Vega-Warner V, Fang H, Halbritter J, Somers MJ, 90. Dijkman HB, Weening JJ, Smeets B, Verrijp KC, van Kuppevelt Tan W, Shril S, Fessi I, Lifton RP, Bockenhauer D, El-Desoky S, TH, Assmann KK, Steenbergen EJ, Wetzels JF: Proliferating cells Kari JA, Zenker M, Kemper MJ, Mueller D, Fathy HM, Soliman in HIV and pamidronate-associated collapsing focal segmental NA, Hildebrandt F; SRNS Study Group: A single-gene cause in glomerulosclerosis are parietal epithelial cells. Kidney Int 70: 29.5% of cases of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. JAmSoc 338–344, 2006 Nephrol 26: 1279–1289, 2015 91. Sakarcan A, Thomas DB, O’Reilly KP, Richards RW: Lithium- 76. Trautmann A, Bodria M, Ozaltin F, Gheisari A, Melk A, Azocar induced nephrotic syndrome in a young pediatric patient. M, Anarat A, Caliskan S, Emma F, Gellermann J, Oh J, Baskin E, Pediatr Nephrol 17: 290–292, 2002 Ksiazek J, Remuzzi G, Erdogan O, Akman S, Dusek J, Davitaia T, 92. Letavernier E, Bruneval P, Mandet C, Duong Van Huyen JP, O¨ zkaya O, Papachristou F,Firszt-Adamczyk A, Urasinski T,Testa Pe´raldi MN, Helal I, Noe¨l LH, Legendre C: High sirolimus levels S, Krmar RT,Hyla-Klekot L, Pasini A, O¨ zcakar ZB, Sallay P,Cakar may induce focal segmental glomerulosclerosis de novo. Clin J N, Galanti M, Terzic J, Aoun B, Caldas Afonso A, Szymanik- Am Soc Nephrol 2: 326–333, 2007 Grzelak H, Lipska BS, Schnaidt S, Schaefer F; PodoNet Con- 93. Cho ME, Hurley JK, Kopp JB: Sirolimus therapy of focal seg- sortium: Spectrum of steroid-resistant and congenital nephrotic mentalglomerulosclerosis is associatedwith nephrotoxicity. Am syndrome in children: The PodoNet registry cohort. Clin J Am J Kidney Dis 49: 310–317, 2007 Soc Nephrol 10: 592–600, 2015 94. Mohamed N, Goldstein J, Schiff J, John R: Collapsing glomer- 77. Green RC, Berg JS, Grody WW, Kalia SS, Korf BR, Martin CL, ulopathy following anthracycline therapy. Am J Kidney Dis 61: McGuire AL, Nussbaum RL, O’Daniel JM, Ormond KE, Rehm 778–781, 2013 HL, Watson MS, Williams MS, Biesecker LG; American College 95. Lee VW, Harris DC: Adriamycin nephropathy: A model of focal of Medical Genetics and Genomics: ACMG recommendations segmental glomerulosclerosis. Nephrology (Carlton) 16: 30–38, for reportingofincidentalfindingsin clinicalexomeand genome 2011 sequencing. Genet Med 15: 565–574, 2013 96. Park A, Gharavi A, Kopp J, Winkler C, Pullman JA, Miner J, Suztak 78. Bu¨scher AK, Beck BB, Melk A, Hoefele J, Kranz B, Bamborschke K: Podocyte Specific Expression of Mutant APOL1 Induces D, Baig S, Lange-Sperandio B, Jungraithmayr T, Weber LT, Albuminuria and Global Sclerosis in Mice, San Diego, CA, Kemper MJ, To¨nshoff B, Hoyer PF, Konrad M, Weber S; German American Society of Nephrology, 2015 Pediatric Nephrology Association (GPN): Rapid response to 97. Ashley-Koch AE, Okocha EC, Garrett ME, Soldano K, De Castro cyclosporin A and favorable renal outcome in nongenetic versus LM, Jonassaint JC, Orringer EP, Eckman JR, Telen MJ: MYH9 and genetic steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Clin J Am Soc APOL1 are both associated with sickle cell disease nephropathy. Nephrol 11: 245–253, 2016 Br J Haematol 155: 386–394, 2011 79. Meehan SM, Kim L, Chang A: A spectrum of morphologic lesions 98. Nichols B, Jog P, Lee JH, Blackler D, Wilmot M, D’Agati V, of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis by Columbia criteria in Markowitz G, Kopp JB, Alper SL, Pollak MR, Friedman DJ: Innate human immunodeficiency virus infection. Virchows Arch 460: immunity pathways regulate the nephropathy gene Apolipo- 429–435, 2012 protein L1. Kidney Int 87: 332–342, 2014 516 Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

99. Larsen CP, Beggs ML, Saeed M, Walker PD: Apolipoprotein L1 118. Madan A, Mijovic-Das S, Stankovic A, Teehan G, Milward AS, risk variants associate with systemic lupus erythematosus- Khastgir A: Acthar gel in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome: A associated collapsing glomerulopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 24: multicenter retrospective case series. BMC Nephrol 17: 37, 2016 722–725, 2013 119. Lieberman KV, Pavlova-Wolf A: Adrenocorticotropic hormone 100. KDIGO Glomerulonephritis Work Group: KDIGO clinical therapy for the treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in practice guidelines for glomerulonephritis. Kidney Int 2[Suppl]: children and young adults: A systematic review of early clinical 139–274, 2012 studies with contemporary relevance [published online ahead of 101. Teeninga N, Kist-van Holthe JE, van den Akker EL, Kersten MC, print April 16, 2016]. JNephroldoi:10.1007/s40620-016-0308-3 Boersma E, Krabbe HG, Knoers NV, van der Heijden AJ, Koper 120. Sgambat K, Banks M, Moudgil A: Effect of galactose on glo- JW, Nauta J: Genetic and in vivo determinants of glucocorticoid merular permeability and proteinuria in steroid-resistant ne- sensitivity in relation to clinical outcome of childhood nephrotic phrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 28: 2131–2135, 2013 syndrome. Kidney Int 85: 1444–1453, 2014 121. YuCC, Fornoni A, Weins A, Hakroush S, Maiguel D, Sageshima J, 102. Cattran DC, Appel GB, Hebert LA, Hunsicker LG, Pohl MA, Hoy Chen L, Ciancio G, Faridi MH, Behr D, Campbell KN, Chang JM, WE, Maxwell DR, Kunis CL; North America Nephrotic Syn- Chen HC, Oh J, Faul C, Arnaout MA, Fiorina P,Gupta V,Greka A, drome Study Group: A randomized trial of cyclosporine in pa- Burke GW 3rd, Mundel P: Abatacept in B7-1-positive protei- tients with steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. nuric kidney disease. N Engl J Med 369: 2416–2423, 2013 Kidney Int 56: 2220–2226, 1999 122. Spino C, Jahnke JS, Selewski DT, Massengill S, Troost J, Gipson 103. Senthil Nayagam L, Ganguli A, Rathi M, Kohli HS, Gupta KL, DS: Changing the paradigm for the treatment and development Joshi K, Sakhuja V, Jha V: Mycophenolate mofetil or standard of new therapies for FSGS. Front Pediatr 4: 25, 2016 therapy for membranous nephropathy and focal segmental 123. Mariani LH, Pendergraft WF 3rd, Kretzler M: Defining glo- glomerulosclerosis: A pilot study. Nephrol Dial Transplant 23: merular disease in mechanistic terms: Implementing an in- 1926–1930, 2008 tegrativebiologyapproachin nephrology. Clin J AmSoc Nephrol 104. Braun N, Schmutzler F, Lange C, Perna A, Remuzzi G, Risler T, 11: 2054–2060, 2016 Willis NS: Immunosuppressive treatment for focal segmental 124. Copelovitch L, Guttenberg M, Pollak MR, Kaplan BS: Renin- glomerulosclerosis in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3: angiotensin axis blockade reduces proteinuria in pre- CD003233, 2008 symptomatic patients with familial FSGS. Pediatr Nephrol 22: 105. Hahn D, Hodson EM, Willis NS, Craig JC: Corticosteroid therapy 1779–1784, 2007 for nephroticsyndrome in children. Cochrane DatabaseSyst Rev 125. Fujisaki K, Tsuruya K, Nakano T, Taniguchi M, Higashi H, 3: CD001533, 2015 Katafuchi R, Kanai H, Nakayama M, Hirakata H, Kitazono T; 106. Hodson EM, Knight JF, Willis NS, Craig JC: Corticosteroid therapy Impact of Combined Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide on Pro- for nephrotic syndrome in children (Cochrane Review). In: The teinuria in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Hyper- Cochrane Library, Oxford, UK, Oxford Update Software, 2003 tension (ILOHA) Study Investigators: Impact of combined 107. Pravitsitthikul N, Willis NS, Hodson EM, Craig JC: Non- losartan/hydrochlorothiazide on proteinuria in patients with corticosteroid immunosuppressive medications for steroid- chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Hypertens Res 37: sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children. Cochrane Database 993–998, 2014 Syst Rev 10: CD002290, 2013 126. Kangovi S, Edwards M, Woloszynek S, Mitra N, Feldman H, 108. Beer A, Mayer G, Kronbichler A: Treatment strategies of adult Kaplan BS, Meyers KE: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A systematic re- inhibitors in pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. view focusing on the last two decades. BioMed Res Int 2016: Pediatr Nephrol 27: 813–819, 2012 4192578, 2016 127. Cheng J, Zhang X, Tian J, Li Q, Chen J: Combination therapy an 109. Hogan J, Radhakrishnan J: The treatment of idiopathic focal ACE inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker for IgA ne- segmental glomerulosclerosis in adults. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis phropathy: A meta-analysis. Int J Clin Pract 66: 917–923, 2012 21: 434–441, 2014 128. Mann JF, Schmieder RE, McQueen M, Dyal L, Schumacher H, 110. Meyrier A: An update on the treatment options for focal seg- Pogue J, Wang X, Maggioni A, Budaj A, Chaithiraphan S, mental glomerulosclerosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 10: 615– Dickstein K, Keltai M, Metsa¨rinne K, Oto A, Parkhomenko A, 628, 2009 Piegas LS, Svendsen TL, Teo KK, Yusuf S; ONTARGET investi- 111. Ponticelli C, Graziani G: Current and emerging treatments for gators: Renal outcomes with telmisartan, ramipril, or both, in idiopathic focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis in adults. people at high vascular risk (the ONTARGET study): A multi- Expert Rev Clin Immunol 9: 251–261, 2013 centre, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. Lancet 372: 112. Joy MS, Gipson DS, Powell L, MacHardy J, Jennette JC, Vento S, 547–553, 2008 Pan C, Savin V, Eddy A, Fogo AB, Kopp JB, Cattran D, Trachtman 129. Fried LF, Emanuele N, Zhang JH, Brophy M, Conner TA, H: Phase 1 trial of adalimumab in focal segmental glomerulo- Duckworth W, Leehey DJ, McCullough PA, O’Connor T, sclerosis (FSGS): II. Report of the FONT (Novel Therapies for Palevsky PM, Reilly RF, Seliger SL, Warren SR, Watnick S, Resistant FSGS) study group. Am J Kidney Dis 55: 50–60, 2010 Peduzzi P, Guarino P; VA NEPHRON-D Investigators: Com- 113. Cho ME, Smith DC, Branton MH, Penzak SR, Kopp JB: Pirfenidone bined angiotensin inhibition for the treatment of diabetic ne- slows renal function decline in patients with focal segmental phropathy. N Engl J Med 369: 1892–1903, 2013 glomerulosclerosis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2: 906–913, 2007 130. Ando K, Ohtsu H, Uchida S, Kaname S, Arakawa Y, Fujita T; 114. Trachtman H, Fervenza FC, Gipson DS, Heering P, Jayne DR, EVALUATE Study Group: Anti-albuminuric effect of the aldoste- Peters H, Rota S, Remuzzi G, Rump LC, Sellin LK, Heaton JP, rone blocker eplerenone in non-diabetic hypertensive patients Streisand JB, Hard ML, Ledbetter SR, Vincenti F: A phase 1, with albuminuria: A double-blind, randomised, placebo- single-dose study of fresolimumab, an anti-TGF-b antibody, in controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2: 944–953, 2014 treatment-resistant primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. 131. Shavit L, Lifschitz MD, Epstein M: Aldosterone blockade and the Kidney Int 79: 1236–1243, 2011 mineralocorticoid receptor in the management of chronic kid- 115. Hari P, Bagga A, Jindal N, Srivastava RN: Treatment of focal ney disease: Current concepts and emerging treatment para- glomerulosclerosis with pulse steroids and oral cyclophospha- digms. Kidney Int 81: 955–968, 2012 mide. Pediatr Nephrol 16: 901–905, 2001 132. Xing CY,Saleem MA, Coward RJ, Ni L, Witherden IR, Mathieson 116. Coppo R, Camilla R, Porcellini MG, Peruzzi L, Gianoglio B, PW: Direct effects of dexamethasone on human podocytes. Amore A, Dapra` V, Loiacono E, Fonsato V, Dal Canton A, Kidney Int 70: 1038–1045, 2006 Esposito C, Esposito P,Tovo PA: Saquinavir in steroid-dependent 133. Li L, Zhang T, Diao W, Jin F, Shi L, Meng J, Liu H, Zhang J, Zeng and -resistant nephrotic syndrome: A pilot study. Nephrol Dial CH, Zhang MC, Liang S, Liu Y, Zhang CY, Liu Z, Zen K: Role of Transplant 27: 1902–1910, 2012 myeloid-derived suppressor cells in glucocorticoid-mediated 117. Hogan J, Bomback AS, Mehta K, Canetta PA, Rao MK, Appel GB, amelioration of FSGS. J Am Soc Nephrol 26: 2183–2197, 2015 Radhakrishnan J, Lafayette RA: Treatment of idiopathic FSGS 134. Schmid H, Henger A, Cohen CD, Frach K, Gro¨ne HJ, Schlo¨ndorff with adrenocorticotropic hormone gel. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol D, Kretzler M: Gene expression profiles of podocyte-associated 8: 2072–2081, 2013 Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 12: 502–517, March, 2017 FSGS, Rosenberg et al. 517

molecules as diagnostic markers in acquired proteinuric dis- Hildebrandt F, Moxey-Mims M, Gipson DS, Trachtman H, eases. J Am Soc Nephrol 14: 2958–2966, 2003 Friedman AL, Kaskel FJ; FSGS-CT Study Consortium: Clinical 135. Hirakawa M, Tsuruya K, Yotsueda H, Tokumoto M, Ikeda H, features and histology of apolipoprotein L1-associated ne- Katafuchi R, Fujimi S, Hirakata H, Iida M: Expression of syn- phropathy in the FSGS clinical trial. J Am Soc Nephrol 26: 1443– aptopodin and GLEPP1 as markers of steroid responsiveness in 1448, 2015 primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Life Sci 79: 757– 139. Trachtman H, Vento S, Herreshoff E, Radeva M, Gassman J, Stein 763, 2006 DT, Savin VJ, Sharma M, Reiser J, Wei C, Somers M, Srivastava T, 136. Jafry N, Ahmed E, Mubarak M, Kazi J, Akhter F: Raised serum Gipson DS: Efficacy of galactose and adalimumab in patients creatinine at presentation does not adversely affect steroid re- with resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Report of the sponse in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adults. font clinical trial group. BMC Nephrol 16: 111, 2015 Nephrol Dial Transplant 27: 1101–1106, 2012 137. Fan L, Liu Q, Liao Y,Li Z, Ji Y,Yang Z, Chen J, Fu J, Zhang J, Kong Y, Fu P, Lou T, Liu Z, Yu X, Chen W: Tacrolimus is an alternative This article contains supplemental material online at http://cjasn. therapy option for the treatment of adult steroid-resistant ne- asnjournals.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.2215/CJN.05960616/-/ phrotic syndrome: A prospective, multicenter clinical trial. Int DCSupplemental. Urol Nephrol 45: 459–468, 2013 138. Kopp JB, Winkler CA, Zhao X, Radeva MK, Gassman JJ, D’Agati Published online ahead of print. Publication date available at www. VD, Nast CC, Wei C, Reiser J, Guay-Woodford LM, Pollak MR, cjasn.org.