Does a Gene Called APOL1 Affect Your Kidneys?

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), there's a genetic risk factor you may never have been told about - a gene called APOL1.

Certain versions of this gene, most common in people of recent African ancestry, can raise the risk of kidney damage, including a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS. When APOL1 is the cause behind kidney disease, doctors call it APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD).

Here's why this matters to you: many people with CKD have never been tested for this, and many don't even know testing is an option. That gap can affect how your disease is understood, treated, and monitored - and it can matter for family members too. Genetics may explain part of your own CKD story, even if no one has brought it up yet.

Before we share more, we want to hear from you!

CKD & APOL1: Community polls

There's a gene called APOL1 that can affect how the kidneys work. We're curious how many of us have come across it.

Sometimes kidney disease runs in the genes. We want to know if this has come up for you.

Genetic testing is a simple test (blood or cheek swab) that can show whether your genes play a role in your kidney disease.

You don't have to wait for your doctor to bring it up - you can start the conversation yourself.

Kidney disease can run in families.

Evaluating APOL1 Awareness

Your answers help us understand where the gaps are - who's heard of APOL1, who's been tested, and who never even knew testing was possible. That's how we make sure the right information reaches the people who need it most.

Thank you for sharing your experience!