APOL1 Oligomerization as the Key Mediator of Kidney Disease in African Americans
Abstract
The work we are conducting is aimed at understanding, and eventually preventing and treating, kidney disease, in particular the APOL1-associated form of kidney disease that accounts for the high rate of kidney disease in African Americans. This work is based on the hypothesis that APOL1 kidney disease in African Americans results from abnormal aggregation of the APOL1 risk variant protein in an amyloid-like process. We are testing this hypothesis in in vitro systems, cells, and model systems using molecular biology, biochemistry, protein chemistry, and microscopy-based approaches. In progress to date, we have elucidated key amino acids and functional domains in APOL1 protein that promote APOL1 oligomerization and cell cytotoxicity. We continue to refine our knowledge of APOL1-APOL1 interactions and the differences in these interactions between normal APOL1 and the variants that cause kidney disease. Our insights into the abnormal behavior of the high risk variants suggest potential therapies for APOL1 kidney disease including small molecules, peptide fragments, and other approaches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1039665
Entities
People
- David Friedman
Organizations
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center