Gene changes linked to kidney stones in black patients

Kidney stones are hard objects that form in urine. Most stones pass when you go to the bathroom. But if stones get stuck, they can cause a lot of pain and make you very sick. Some people need surgery to remove them. We don’t know why some people are more prone to kidney stones than others. Studies have found several genes linked to different types of kidney stones. A person’s ethnic background also plays a role. Black people with Asian background may have lower risk. Blacks with Arabic or West Indian background have a higher risk. In this project, researchers will look for gene changes linked to kidney stones in black patients. They will also try to figure out which gene changes are linked to the patient’s ethnic background. The results may tell us who is most likely to get kidney stones. The study may also help us better prevent or treat kidney stones.