The condition is frequently, but not always the result of a genetic disorder, and is more common in infants born to one or more parents with a malformed or absent kidney.
[6] Adults with unilateral renal agenesis have considerably higher chances of hypertension (high blood pressure).
[8] In 2008 researchers found autosomal dominant mutations in the RET and GDNF genes to be linked to renal agenesis in unrelated stillborn fetuses through PCR and direct sequence analysis.
[citation needed] In 2014 researchers found autosomal recessive mutations in ITGA8 in three members of two unrelated families utilizing exome sequencing.
[1] This is the first reported genetic lesion implicated in the activation of Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR) Targets that has been associated with renal agenesis in humans.
GREB1L mutations were identified in all of the affected individuals as well as in three unaffected family members, demonstrating incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity.
[citation needed] There are several hundred to perhaps several thousand genes that, if they had the right kind of mutation, could lead to renal agenesis in humans.
Additionally, neither extreme substance abuse or environmental factors (high power line, mercury, ground water issues, etc.)