WCN26-5721 APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease in the United States (2020–2025): Trends in Research Output, Public Awareness, and Federal Funding

Variants in the APOL1 gene, initially identified for their protective effect against Trypanosoma brucei, were first linked to kidney disease in 2008 and are now recognized as major risk factors for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The high-risk APOL1 variants (G1 and G2) occur almost exclusively in individuals of African ancestry, with about 13% of African Americans, nearly six million people carrying two risk alleles. APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) includes non-diabetic renal disorders such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), hypertensive ESKD, lupus nephritis–related ESKD, and HIV-associated nephropathy.