Understanding genes beyond APOL1 that affect kidney transplants
Official title: Non-APOL1 genetic factors and kidney transplant outcomes
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11138741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at additional genetic differences, besides the APOL1 gene, that might affect how well kidney transplants work, especially for people of African ancestry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $723,798 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136765-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research uses existing genetic data from kidney transplant donor-recipient pairs, especially those of African ancestry, who were part of the APOLLO cohort.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone a kidney transplant or are not of African ancestry may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this genetic analysis.
What this research studies
We are expanding an existing project called APOLLO, which already collected information from 2,800 kidney transplant donor-recipient pairs. Our goal is to look at a wider range of genetic information, beyond just the APOL1 gene, to see if other genes also play a role in transplant success. This is important because patients of African ancestry often have worse transplant outcomes and are underrepresented in genetic studies. By looking at more genetic details, we hope to better understand why some transplants succeed and others face challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to predict kidney transplant outcomes and help doctors personalize care, particularly for patients of African ancestry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work by this team has shown that combining different genetic risk factors, including APOL1, can improve predictions for kidney disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiryluk, Krzysztof — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kiryluk, Krzysztof
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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.