Apolipoprotein L-1 renal risk variants form active channels at the plasma membrane driving cytotoxicity.

Recently evolved alleles of Apolipoprotein L-1 () provide increased protection against African trypanosome parasites while also significantly increasing the risk of developing kidney disease in humans. APOL1 protects against trypanosome infections by forming ion channels within the parasite, causing lysis. While the correlation to kidney disease is robust, there is little consensus concerning the underlying disease mechanism.