Hereditary hypouricemia may result from mutations in the renal tubular uric acid transporter URAT1. Whether mutation of other uric acid transporters produces a similar phenotype is unknown. We studied two families who had severe hereditary hypouricemia and did not have a URAT1 defect. We performed a genome-wide homozygosity screen and linkage analysis and identified the candidate gene SLC2A9, which encodes the glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9). Both families had homozygous SLC2A9 mutations: A missense mutation (L75R) in six affected members of one family and a 36-kb deletion, resulting in a truncated protein, in the other. In vitro, the L75R mutation dramatically impaired transport of uric acid. The mean concentration of serum uric acid of seven homozygous individuals was 0.17 Ϯ 0.2 mg/dl, and all had a fractional excretion of uric acid Ͼ150%. Three individuals had nephrolithiasis, and three had a history of exercise-induced acute renal failure. In conclusion, homozygous loss-of-function mutations of GLUT9 cause a total defect of uric acid absorption, leading to severe renal hypouricemia complicated by nephrolithiasis and exercise-induced acute renal failure. In addition to clarifying renal handling of uric acid, our findings may provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of acute renal failure, nephrolithiasis, hyperuricemia, and gout. 21: 64 -72, 201021: 64 -72, . doi: 10.1681 In most mammals, uric acid (UA) is oxidized by the hepatic enzyme uricase to highly soluble allantoin. In humans, however, this enzyme is inactive as a result of mutational silencing, 1 making UA the end product of purine metabolism. Serum UA concentration depends on both UA production and UA removal by the kidneys and intestinal tract and is high in humans compared with other mammals. Elevation of serum UA levels has been associated with various diseases, including gout, hypertension, and cardiovascular and renal disease. 2 Conversely, it has been suggested that UA has a beneficial role as a natural antioxidant, and low serum UA levels have been linked to several neurologic diseases. 2 Studies of renal handling of UA in humans have
J Am Soc Nephrol