APOL1 Targeted Therapies: Who to Test and Which Disease to Treat?

Session Description:
Genetic variants in APOL1 are a major contributor to the increased risk of kidney disease in people of recent African ancestry. In this session, recent insight into the contribution of the APOL1 risk genotype to different renal phenotypes will be highlighted, as well as the difficulty in determining when to when to screen and where to apply APOL1 genotype data in clinical practice. In addition, a long-lasting study showing the promise of a small-molecule inhibitor of APOL1 channel function as potential treatment will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Understand recent insight into contribution of APOL1 genetic risk variants to chronic kidney disease, and the potential of targeted treatments. Review the arguments (including ethical) for and against genetic testing of APOL1.