A defect in GPI synthesis as a suggested mechanism for the role of ARV1 in intellectual disability and seizures.

Deficiency of the endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein ARV1 leads to epileptic encephalopathy in humans and in mice. ARV1 is highly conserved, but its function in human cells is unknown. Studies of yeast arv1 null mutants indicate that it is involved in a number of biochemical processes including the synthesis of sphingolipids and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), a glycolipid anchor that is attached to the C-termini of many membrane bound proteins.

Mitochondrial peptidase loss-of-function in childhood cerebellar atrophy.

Objective: To identify the genetic basis of a childhood-onset syndrome of variable severity characterised by progressive spinocerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, psychotic episodes and cerebellar atrophy.

Methods: Identification of the underlying mutations by whole exome and whole genome sequencing. Consequences were examined in patients' cells and in yeast.

Is noncompliance among adolescent renal transplant recipients inevitable?

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of noncompliance and factors that influence poor adherence to immunosuppressive drug regimens among kidney transplant recipients.

Methods: We reviewed immunosuppressive drug compliance in 79 posttransplant patients. Patient self-report and low plasma calcineurin inhibitor levels served as indicators of noncompliance.

Erythropoietin deficiency causes anemia in nephrotic children with normal kidney function.

Anemia in persistent nephrotic syndrome (NS) has been described in a few case reports but has not been studied systematically. We present a group of 19 children with NS who developed anemia before the deterioration of kidney function. The aim of our study is to determine whether erythropoietin (EPO) and/or iron deficiency are causative factors and to evaluate the effect of EPO replacement therapy.