A gene capable of protecting the body against kidney stones has been identified by medicine researchers in Nature genetics. The research identified a transporter, encoded by the gene, as a potential target for drugs to boost oxalate secretion in the gut and helps prevent kidney stones formation, said a professor of internal medicine and physiology and senior author of the study.

Calcium oxalate is the main component of kidney stones. The transporter, known as SLC26A6, normally secretes oxalate into the intestine and prevents absorption of too much of the oxalate from the diet.

When the researchers eliminated this gene in the mouse during their experiments, more oxalate from the diet was absorbed, the plasma level of oxalate was increased, which led to more oxalate being excreted in the urine by the kidney, which in turn increased the chances of kidney stones formation.

In addition to pinpointing a potential drug target, the research raises the possibility that abnormal expression or regulation of the anion transporter encoded by the gene could cause kidney stones in humans, although this has not yet been tested directly. The study was supported by grants from the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases.