APOL1

APOL1, apolipoprotein L1, alias APOL, APO-L, FSGS4, APOL-I, is a human genetically encoded component of secreted high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that is synthesized predominantly in the liver and also expressed in a variety of other tissues.
The mechanism of action of APOL1 involves its function in systemic lipid exchange and transport, as well as reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral cells to the liver. APOL1 also binds to apolipoprotein A-I, which is involved in the formation of most of the cholesteryl esters in plasma and facilitates cholesterol efflux from cells.
APOL1 has an innate immune function that protects humans from African trypanosome infections, but certain APOL1 gene variants have been associated with an increased risk of non-diabetic nephropathies (e.g., FSGS and HIVAN) that are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and the African diaspora. These functions and variants of APOL1 have a significant impact on global health disparities, particularly in populations of African ancestry.