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So grateful and excited for R01 funding from @NIDDKgov to study genetic and environmental modifiers of #APOL1 genotypes in racial and ethnic minorities. This grant especially is close to my heart so a little bit of a thread. 1/n
Racial and ethnic minority individuals with APOL1 risk genotypes have higher risk of kidney disease (3-5 times higher depending on definition and type). 2/n
APOL1 risk genotypes are present in upto 16% of African American individuals. Thus its a rare mutation which is frequent AND confers increased risk of a common disease. 3/n
However, penetrance is not 100% (i.e. 100% of individuals with APOL1 high risk genotypes do not get kidney disease). Thus there have to be other 'modifiers' genetic or environmental factors that 'modify' kidney disease risk even in presence of APOL1 risk genotypes. 4/n
I had initially proposed this study in late 2018 as a R01. Although comments were encouraging, the percentile was high and did not get funded. 5/n
I attempted to address the comments and resubmit in June 2019. I thought I did a good job but to my surprise (and despair), the percentile actually increased. 6/n
I was ready to give up, but someone very senior who I barely knew (you know who you are) gave me very good advice. 1. Be persistent, 2. Work on grant writing skills, 3. Collaborate more, 4. Be ambitious. 7/n
I submitted this in early 2020 and on review earlier this year got a very good score. Now the R01 is funded and very excited to tackle this very important problem with an all star team. 8/n
What did I learn? Persistence Pays!! I was the recipient of good advice and mentorship and I promise to pay it forward. Again, grateful to mentors, collaborators, and family & all of my academic homes. @ISMMSKidney @DOMSinaiNYC @BronfmanInst @HPI_NYC @SinaiClinIntel 9/n
And please get vaccinated when it's your turn. It's been a tough year for everyone but there is light at the end of the tunnel. #KeepTheFaith. Fin.
