AMKD overview for healthcare professionals

APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene and linked to an increased risk for rapidly progressing kidney disease. Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but people who have western and central African ancestry, including those who are Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean and/or Latina/Latino, are at an increased risk of having a mutation in one or both of the genes. People with mutations in both genes are at higher risk of developing genetic forms of kidney disease such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

The discovery of APOL1 variants less than 20 years ago was hailed as a significant breakthrough, creating a better understanding of how the APOL1 variants have played a role in health disparities in kidney disease. Since it is still a relatively new discovery, awareness of AMKD is low for health care professionals as well as patients. This guide provides an overview of AMKD specifically for health care professionals.