APOL1-mediated kidney disease: Connect with a genetic counselor

As part of the American Kidney Fund's efforts to fight kidney disease on all fronts, the organization created an APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) education campaign, which aims to increase awareness about this spectrum of kidney diseases.

AMKD is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene and linked to an increased risk for rapidly progressing kidney disease. Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but people who have western and central African ancestry, including those who are Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean and/or Latina/Latino, are at an increased risk of having a mutation in one or both of the genes. People with mutations in both genes are at higher risk of developing genetic forms of kidney disease such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This guide helps patients learn more about genetic testing for the APOL1 variant to better understand their risk for kidney disease.