Generally, the APOL1 gene is part of the functioning of the immune system. A genetic variation (abnormality) in the APOL1 gene increases the chance of kidney disease for different ethnicities. This includes people who have Western and Central African ancestry or who identify as:
Black.
African American.
Afro-Caribbean.
Latina/Latino.
Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, one from each parent. The mutation (abnormality) in this gene contributes to protection from a parasite that causes African sleeping sickness. If parents have this gene variation, they will pass it on to their children. Inheriting the APOL1 variant gene can damage kidney cells, leading to kidney disease or kidney failure. People with mutations in both APOL1 genes have an increased chance of developing kidney disease. Though there is some connection between genetics and kidney disease, not everyone with this gene variation will develop it. Environmental and personal factors like having diabetes may increase individuals’ chances of developing kidney disease. The APOL1 gene is an important genetic factor that increases the risk of kidney disease in the African American population.