Sampson Lab for Kidney Genomics

By integrating genomic variation with molecular and clinical data, our lab works to elucidate the mechanisms of nephrotic syndrome and support advances in precision medicine.

Your kidneys do a lot more than you might think 💙

From filtering about 180 liters of blood every day, to relying on millions of tiny nephrons to remove waste, to helping maintain salt balance and red blood cell production, your kidneys work nonstop to keep your body in balance.

Swipe through to learn a few fascinating facts about how these powerful organs support your health every single day.

The APOL1 gene has two known variants, G1 and G2, that are linked to increased risk of certain kidney diseases.

People who inherit two variants (G1/G1, G1/G2, or G2/G2) have a higher risk, but not everyone with two variants develops kidney disease. This tells us that G1 and G2 are only part of the story.

Studying APOL1 helps researchers understand why these variants affect people differently and how genetics and environmental factors together influence kidney disease risk and progression.

By learning more about genetic variation, researchers can work toward earlier detection, more personalized care, and better treatments for kidney disease.

Rare diseases are more common than many people realize, and for millions of families, they shape everyday life.

Many kidney conditions, including genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome, fall under the category of rare diseases. Research plays a critical role in improving diagnosis, understanding disease progression, and developing better treatments.

While nephrotic syndrome is most commonly classified by response to therapy, other factors also matter, including age of onset, genetics, and kidney biopsy findings.

These other classifications help clinicians tailor care and move closer to precision medicine for pediatric kidney disease.

Instead of studying one gene at a time, omics research looks at biology on a system-wide level, helping researchers better understand complex diseases like nephrotic syndrome. 🧬

Welcoming 2026 with gratitude for our patients, families, and collaborators, and excitement for the discoveries ahead. 💙

Over the past 15 years, our work has contributed to more than 90 publications advancing kidney genomics research. Each study reflects the dedication of our team, the strength of our collaborations, and our shared commitment to better understanding kidney disease.

Wishing our community a warm and joyful Christmas 🎄✨!

eQTL analysis helps us pinpoint where genetic variants influence gene activity, giving us clearer insight into the regulatory signals behind complex diseases.

Learn more in our paper published in 2023, “Mapping genomic regulation of kidney disease and traits through high-resolution and interpretable eQTLs.”

From our lab family to yours, Happy Holidays!
Wishing you rest, joy, and moments that brighten the end of the year. 💙❄️🕎