Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Analysis shows rising research output and public awareness of APOL1-mediated kidney disease in African Americans, indicating need for continued funding.
Variants in the APOL1 gene, initially identified for their protective effect against Trypanosoma brucei, were first linked to kidney disease in 2008 and are now recognized as major risk factors for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The high-risk APOL1 variants (G1 and G2) occur almost exclusively in individuals of African ancestry, with about 13% of African Americans, nearly six million people carrying two risk alleles. APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) includes non-diabetic renal disorders such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), hypertensive ESKD, lupus nephritis–related ESKD, and HIV-associated nephropathy.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bizer et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: