Understanding APOL1's Role in Kidney Disease
Intracellular functions of APOL1 in the kidney
This project explores how a specific gene, APOL1, contributes to kidney disease in African Americans, especially when combined with factors like HIV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128806 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects African Americans disproportionately, often linked to specific versions (variants) of the APOL1 gene. These APOL1 variants don't cause CKD alone but increase risk when combined with environmental triggers. We aim to uncover how APOL1 works in the kidney and how it leads to disease when a stressor is present. By focusing on HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), a kidney disease strongly tied to APOL1 and HIV infection, we hope to understand the underlying genetic and biological processes. Our work has already shown that a common APOL1 variant might protect against kidney cell damage in HIVAN, suggesting that kidney disease could arise when this protective function is missing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly African Americans with APOL1 gene variants and those with HIV-associated nephropathy, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney disease is not linked to APOL1 gene variants or HIV infection may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat kidney disease in African Americans who carry specific APOL1 gene variants.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between APOL1 variants and CKD risk is known, the exact biological function of APOL1 in the kidney and its disease mechanism are still unclear, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruggeman, Leslie a — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Bruggeman, Leslie a
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 below.