Reduced nephron number has been implicated as a risk factor for developing hypertension.31–33 In individuals with reduced nephron numbers, intraglomerular pressure and glomerular filtration of the residual glomeruli are increased to compensate for the reduced glomerular filtration rate in the kidney, with a consequent increase in urinary excretion of albumin.34 Elevated urinary excretion of albumin might therefore in turn be a sign of reduced nephron number. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is hypertensive disorder.