Potassium, genes, and kidney disease in African ancestry
Official title: Dietary Potassium and Gene-Environment Interactions in Apolipoprotein L1 Nephropathy
Funded at Boston Medical Center · NIH-11460125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how dietary potassium interacts with genetic risk to affect kidney disease in African Americans and people with African ancestry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $888,383 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141813-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11460125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults of African ancestry, especially those with APOL1 high-risk genotypes and CKD or hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without African ancestry or without the APOL1 high-risk genotype may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project focuses on people with APOL1 gene risk who are at higher risk for CKD and high blood pressure. Researchers will measure dietary potassium effects on kidney-related outcomes and RAAS/inflammation pathways, using genetic information to understand differences between APOL1 genotypes. The study aims to uncover mechanisms linking potassium intake to podocyte health and blood pressure control. Findings could guide personalized dietary and treatment strategies for CKD in high-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could lead to tailored dietary recommendations and new therapeutic targets to slow CKD progression in individuals with APOL1 risk variants.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior work suggested that higher potassium intake might influence CKD progression in APOL1 risk groups, but mechanisms are not fully understood and further study is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ilori, Titilayo Omolara — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ilori, Titilayo Omolara
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.