Apolipoprotein L1 associated nephropathy; an overview

Genetic variants of apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) have been recognized as a risk factor for kidney disease in people of African ancestry. APOL1 mediate renal damage in podocytes through necrosis, apoptosis and pyroptosis processes. APOL1 gene contains G1 and G2 alleles that mediate in increasing risk of renal disorders in African Americans. People who carry APOL1 risk alleles have a three to four-fold increase risk for non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD), Idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). Therefore, identifying genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of renal disorders, including APOL1 risk variants, may help to improve our understanding of kidney problems.