Clinical Genetic Testing for APOL1: Are we There Yet?

Summary: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) disproportionately affects African Americans, who are two to four times more likely than European Americans to develop ESRD. Two independent variants of the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene, G1 and G2, have been associated with a 7- to 10-fold greater risk of developing nondiabetic ESRD in African Americans. Those who inherit two risk variants (G1/G1, G2/G2, or G1/G2) are also more likely to develop ESRD at a younger age and to have progression of chronic kidney disease.

Source: Seminars in Nephrology - October 27, 2017 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Bessie A. Young, Stephanie Malia Fullerton, James G. Wilson, Kerri Cavanaugh, Erika Blacksher, Clarence Spigner, Jonathan Himmelfarb, Wylie Burke Source Type: research