CYP2B6 Gene

What is the CYP2B6 gene?

CYP2B6 encodes cytochrome p450 family 2 subfamily b member 6, a protein involved in Phase I xenobiotic metabolism. It belongs to the Drug Metabolism category and is part of the Detox & Medication Sensitivity biological cluster. CYP2B6 encodes a hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme involved in metabolizing bupropion, efavirenz, and many other drugs.

Biological role and pathway

CYP2B6 is involved in the Phase I xenobiotic metabolism pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Detox & Medication Sensitivity 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.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the CYP2B6 gene have been studied in relation to drug metabolism and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

• rs3745274— CYP2B6 variant
• rs2279343— CYP2B6 variant

Conditions studied in relation to CYP2B6

Research into CYP2B6 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CYP2B6 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 CYP2B6 and related genes in the detox & medication sensitivity 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 Detox & Medication Sensitivity pathway

CYP2B6 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