SNP of Caveolin-1 gene is associated with renal allograft function

Caveolin-1 is the primary structural component of caveolae which are cell membrane invaginations on endothelial cells, adipocytes, fibroblasts and pneumocytes etc. It is anti-fibrotic and is shown to be reduced in conditions such as scleroderma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In a recently published JAMA paper (Moore et al, JAMA, April 2010), it was shown that donor single nucleotide polymorphism in gene encoding for Caveolin-1 was associated with long term renal transplant outcomes. Authors investigated this SNP in 785 white kidney transplant donors and their respective recipients with median follow up of 81 months post transplantation. It was found that donor genotype AA, compared to AC and CC genotypes, was associated with increased risk of allograft failure (Hazard ratio of about 2). The findings were confirmed in another independent cohort within UK. This is an interesting study that may not alter our clinical practice at present but will atleaset open new avenues in renal fibosis research if the findings are replicable in other studies.