APOL1 rs113165337: Understanding the G1 Kidney Risk Allele
The rs113165337 variant, commonly referred to as the G1 risk allele, is a genetic variation located within the APOL1 gene. It is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease and other related kidney conditions, particularly in individuals of West African ancestry.
What each genotype means
Typical risk profile
This genotype represents the absence of the G1 and G2 risk variants. Individuals with this profile do not have the increased genetic risk for chronic kidney disease associated with APOL1 variants.
This is the most common genotype in most global populations, though it is less frequent in individuals of West African ancestry.
Carrier status
You carry one copy of the G1 risk variant. Research indicates that carrying a single risk allele does not significantly increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease, but you may pass this variant to your children.
Carried by a significant portion of individuals with recent African ancestry, reflecting the evolutionary history of these variants in sub-Saharan Africa.
Carrier status
You carry one copy of the G2 risk variant. Similar to the G1 variant, carrying only one copy is generally not associated with an increased risk of kidney disease, though it is important to be aware of your carrier status.
This genotype is found in populations with African ancestry, with frequencies varying by specific geographic origin.
High risk profile
This genotype is considered a high-risk profile for APOL1-mediated kidney disease. While having two risk alleles increases the statistical likelihood of developing certain kidney conditions, it does not guarantee disease; please discuss your kidney health and screening options with your clinician.
This high-risk combination is most prevalent in individuals of West African descent and is found in roughly 20-30% of African Americans.
High risk profile
This genotype is considered a high-risk profile for APOL1-mediated kidney disease. Having two copies of the G2 variant is associated with an increased risk of nondiabetic kidney disease; consult with a healthcare provider to monitor your kidney function regularly.
This genotype is observed primarily in populations with recent African ancestry.
High risk profile
This genotype, consisting of one G1 and one G2 variant, is classified as a high-risk profile for APOL1-mediated kidney disease. You should maintain regular communication with your doctor regarding your kidney health, as this combination is associated with higher risks for specific renal conditions.
This compound heterozygous genotype is found in individuals of African ancestry, consistent with the prevalence of the individual risk alleles in those populations.
What is the rs113165337 Variant?
The rs113165337 variant is a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found in the APOL1 gene, which provides instructions for making the apolipoprotein L1 protein. This protein is a component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in the blood. The G1 variant is one of two primary risk alleles—the other being G2—that have been identified as significant contributors to kidney health disparities. When researchers discuss the G1 allele, they are referring to this specific genetic change that alters the structure of the APOL1 protein. Because this variant is common in populations with West African ancestry, it has been the subject of extensive study to understand how it influences the body's susceptibility to renal damage. Genetic testing is the only definitive method to determine if an individual carries this specific variant, as it does not present with physical symptoms on its own.
The Role of the APOL1 Gene
The APOL1 gene plays a fascinating role in human biology, primarily functioning as part of the innate immune system. The protein it produces helps the body defend against certain parasites, such as those that cause African sleeping sickness. While this protective function provided an evolutionary advantage in regions where these parasites are endemic, the specific variants that confer this protection—like G1—have been linked to unintended consequences for kidney health. In the kidneys, the APOL1 protein is expressed in cells that are critical for filtering blood. Research suggests that the G1 variant may lead to cellular stress or toxicity within these filtration units, potentially contributing to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Understanding this gene helps scientists bridge the gap between evolutionary history and modern clinical outcomes.
Research and Clinical Associations
The evidence linking APOL1 variants to kidney disease is considered strong. Studies have consistently shown that individuals who inherit two copies of these risk alleles—one from each parent—are at a significantly higher risk for developing kidney-related conditions compared to those with zero or one copy. While early research focused on the recessive nature of this risk, more recent studies have explored the impact of carrying a single risk allele, noting that even monoallelic genotypes may be associated with increased odds of kidney disease. It is important to note that having these variants does not guarantee that an individual will develop kidney disease; rather, it indicates a higher statistical susceptibility. Many people with high-risk genotypes live their entire lives without developing kidney failure, suggesting that other environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors also play a crucial role in the progression of the disease.
Population Frequency and Distribution
The G1 risk allele is most frequently observed in individuals of West African descent, a distribution that reflects the evolutionary history of the gene. In the United States, it is estimated that roughly 20-30% of African Americans carry at least one copy of an APOL1 risk variant, with approximately 13% carrying two copies. While these variants are most common in West African populations, they are also found in individuals from other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, often due to historical migration and admixture. Because the frequency varies significantly across different ancestral groups, the clinical relevance of testing for these variants is often discussed in the context of personalized medicine and risk assessment for patients presenting with unexplained kidney issues.
Navigating Genetic Information
If you are interested in your own genetic status regarding the APOL1 gene, it is essential to approach this information with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Knowing your genotype can be a tool for informed health decisions, such as discussing screening schedules or lifestyle modifications with your doctor. However, it is vital to remember that genetic risk is only one piece of a much larger health puzzle. You cannot diagnose yourself based on a genetic report, and the presence of a risk allele is not a medical diagnosis of kidney disease. If you have concerns about your kidney health or family history, consult a nephrologist or a genetic counselor. They can help interpret your results in the context of your overall health and provide appropriate clinical guidance, ensuring that any medical decisions are based on comprehensive diagnostic testing.
How common is this variant?
The G1 risk allele is found in approximately 20-30% of African Americans, with about 13% of this population carrying two copies of APOL1 risk variants.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the APOL1 G1 variant mean I will get kidney disease?
No, having the G1 variant does not mean you will definitely develop kidney disease. It only indicates a higher statistical risk, and many people with these variants never experience kidney issues.
How can I find out if I have the APOL1 G1 variant?
The only way to know your APOL1 status is through specific genetic testing. You should discuss the necessity and implications of this test with your primary care physician or a nephrologist.
Is APOL1-mediated kidney disease treatable?
While there is no specific cure for the genetic variant itself, doctors manage kidney disease through blood pressure control, lifestyle changes, and monitoring kidney function. Early detection is key to managing the condition effectively.
Why is this variant more common in people of African ancestry?
The APOL1 variants evolved as a protective mechanism against African sleeping sickness. This evolutionary advantage helped ancestors survive in regions where the parasite was common, leading to the higher frequency of these alleles today.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/9/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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A variant in the APOL1 gene (G1 risk allele) associated with chronic kidney disease in individuals of African ancestry.
Essential component of the African ancestry-specific APOL1 G1 risk haplotype associated with protection against sleeping sickness and elevated susceptibility to end-stage renal disease.
Defines the APOL1 G2 allele (two-amino-acid deletion N388_Y389del) that provides protection against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense while conferring increased risk of chronic kidney disease.