At the Vivante Lab, we are committed to advancing the understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to enable earlier diagnosis, improve risk prediction, and ultimately develop targeted gene-based therapies for patients.
Our research spans the full spectrum of translational nephrogenetics—from gene discovery to therapy. We combine comprehensive genomic analysis with functional studies of novel disease-causing genes, and actively pursue the development of precision treatments based on molecular insights.
A cornerstone of our work is the Israeli Kidney Failure Genetic Cohort, a nationwide miltuethnic initiative established by our team. This unique resource includes over 3,000 individuals recruited from more than 50 dialysis units across Israel, representing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and clinical phenotypes.
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We also collaborate closely with the National Nephrogenetic Clinic at Sheba Medical Center, led by Prof. Asaf Vivante. The clinic serves as Israel’s central referral center for genetic kidney diseases diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.
By integrating next-generation sequencing, cellular and animal models, and innovative therapeutic platforms, the Vivante Lab is positioned at the forefront of translational kidney genetics research. Our goal is to bridge the gap between rare disease discovery and clinical implementation, while fostering collaboration and training the next generation of physician-scientists and geneticists.
Our Research
Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease
Asaf Vivante, The New England Journal of Medicine, 2024
In this paper, Prof. Vivante reviews the genetic landscape of kidney diseases, from high penetrance, rare monogenic diseases, to common risk variants leading to various kidney diseases.
Genetic Markers Among the Israeli Druze Minority Population With End-Stage Kidney Disease
Shlomovitz et al., American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2024
In this paper, Shlomovitz et al. used exome sequencing to uncover previously undiagnosed genetic causes of end-stage kidney disease in the Israeli Druze population, identifying a novel, population-specific WDR19 variant and highlighting the value of genetic testing in underrepresented minority groups.
Genetic Terminal Complement Deficiency in Israeli Bedouins With Kidney Failure
Chowers et al., Kidney International Reports, 2025
In this paper, Chowers et al. used exome sequencing to identify monogenic causes of kidney failure in Israeli Bedouins and uncovered a potential novel association between terminal complement deficiencies and chronic kidney disease.
Diagnostic Utility of Exome Sequencing Among Israeli Children With Kidney Failure
Ben-Moshe et al., Kidney Internation Reports, 2023
In this nationwide study of Israeli children on dialysis, Ben-Moshe et al. found a 45% genetic diagnostic yield using exome sequencing, highlighting the significant contribution of monogenic causes to pediatric kidney failure, informing clinical care, and resulting in public funding by the Israeli Ministry of Health for exome sequencing in children with kidney failure.
Multiethnic prevalence of the APOL1 G1 and G2 variants among the Israeli dialysis population
Ben-Ruby et al., Clinical Kidney Journal, 2025
In this nationwide study of 1,744 Israeli dialysis patients, Ben-Ruby et al. revealed APOL1 G1 and G2 kidney-risk variants in Moroccan Jewish, Bedouin, and Muslim Arab individuals—populations previously not recognized to carry recent sub-Saharan ancestry—and suggests that even a single G2 allele may heighten chronic kidney disease risk in specific non-African groups.
A multidisciplinary nephrogenetic referral clinic for children and adults—diagnostic achievements and insights
Pode-Shakked et al., Pediatric Nephrology, 2022
Here, Pode-Shakked et al. describe the implementation of a national multidisciplinary nephrogenetics clinic in Israel, which achieved a 57% diagnostic yield among patients with suspected genetic kidney disease and demonstrated how genetic diagnoses can meaningfully impact clinical care.
Case 36-2023: A 19-Year-Old Man with Diabetes and Kidney Cysts
Vivante et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 2023
This paper, first presented by Prof. Vivante at the Clinical Pathological Conference (CPC) at Massachusetts General Hospital, describes a 19-year-old with diabetes and kidney cysts ultimately diagnosed with HNF1B-related disease, highlighting the value of genetic testing in atypical presentations of kidney and metabolic disorders.
