ABCB11 Gene
ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 11 (BSEP) (ABCB11) is a gene involved in hepatocyte bile salt export that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ABCB11 may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the ABCB11 gene?
ABCB11 encodes atp binding cassette subfamily b member 11 (bsep), a protein involved in hepatocyte bile salt export. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Metabolic Regulation biological cluster. ABCB11 encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP), the primary transporter for hepatocellular bile acid excretion into bile canaliculi.
Biological role and pathway
ABCB11 is involved in the hepatocyte bile salt export pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Metabolic Regulation cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.
Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
ABCB11 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
ABCB11 variants affect bile acid export; liver inflammation from COVID-19 may impair BSEP function, contributing to drug-induced liver injury or cholestatic disease relevant to Long COVID liver complications.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Known genetic variants
The following variants (SNPs) in the ABCB11 gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to ABCB11
Research into ABCB11 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ABCB11 causes or treats any condition.
Genetic insights from DNA data
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include ABCB11 and related genes in the metabolic regulation pathway.
The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related genes in the Metabolic Regulation pathway
ABCB11 does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ABCB11 gene and what does it do?
ABCB11 (ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 11 (BSEP)) is involved in hepatocyte bile salt export. ABCB11 encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP), the primary transporter for hepatocellular bile acid excretion into bile canaliculi.
How may ABCB11 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
ABCB11 variants affect bile acid export; liver inflammation from COVID-19 may impair BSEP function, contributing to drug-induced liver injury or cholestatic disease relevant to Long COVID liver complications.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ABCB11 gene?
Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Explore your ABCB11 genetic insights
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for ABCB11. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33153018
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Hepatology