SLC19A1 Gene
Solute Carrier Family 19 Member 1 (Reduced Folate Carrier) (SLC19A1) is a gene involved in folate transport that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in SLC19A1 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 SLC19A1 gene?
SLC19A1 encodes solute carrier family 19 member 1 (reduced folate carrier), a protein involved in folate transport. It belongs to the Vitamin Metabolism category and is part of the Vitamin & Nutrient Metabolism biological cluster. SLC19A1 encodes the reduced folate carrier, the primary uptake mechanism for folate and methotrexate in most tissues.
Biological role and pathway
SLC19A1 is involved in the folate transport pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Vitamin & Nutrient Metabolism 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.
SLC19A1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
SLC19A1 variants affecting cellular folate uptake may limit methylation cycle capacity relevant to Long COVID neurological and metabolic features.
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 SLC19A1 gene have been studied in relation to vitamin metabolism and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs1051266— SLC19A1 variant
Conditions studied in relation to SLC19A1
Research into SLC19A1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that SLC19A1 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 SLC19A1 and related genes in the vitamin & nutrient metabolism 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 Vitamin & Nutrient Metabolism pathway
SLC19A1 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 SLC19A1 gene and what does it do?
SLC19A1 (Solute Carrier Family 19 Member 1 (Reduced Folate Carrier)) is involved in folate transport. SLC19A1 encodes the reduced folate carrier, the primary uptake mechanism for folate and methotrexate in most tissues.
How may SLC19A1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
SLC19A1 variants affecting cellular folate uptake may limit methylation cycle capacity relevant to Long COVID neurological and metabolic features.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my SLC19A1 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 SLC19A1 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.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for SLC19A1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 9694677
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation