Duke APOL1 Research Biorepository for Adults with and without Kidney Disease Focus on Black Adults Including African Americans and Afro-Caribbean Individuals

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying a condition called ApoL1 nephropathy, which is a type of kidney disease linked to specific gene mutations found mainly in people of recent African ancestry. This research focuses on understanding why some individuals with these ApoL1 mutations develop end stage kidney failure while others do not. The study is observational and aims to fill gaps in knowledge about the disease mechanism by collecting biological samples and medical data from affected and unaffected participants. The study collects and stores biological samples such as whole blood and urine from adult patients, including those with end stage kidney disease and healthy individuals without kidney disease. Participants include self-identified African Americans, Afro-Caribbean, and other Black adults, with a special group of healthy Black adults aged 50 and older recruited as controls. Samples from other research networks will also be included to support the biorepository. Participants will provide samples and relevant medical information that will be stored in a biorepository for up to five years. The researchers will use these samples to create kidney-like cells from blood cells for laboratory study. This process may help reveal how ApoL1 mutations cause kidney failure. The study will monitor these samples for future research and will not involve treatment. Participation length and specific visit schedules vary by individual.

Duke APOL1 Research Biorepository