SLC5A7 Gene
Solute Carrier Family 5 Member 7 (High-Affinity Choline Transporter) (SLC5A7) is a gene involved in choline uptake for ACh synthesis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in SLC5A7 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 SLC5A7 gene?
SLC5A7 encodes solute carrier family 5 member 7 (high-affinity choline transporter), a protein involved in choline uptake for ACh synthesis. It belongs to the Neurotransmitter category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. SLC5A7 encodes the high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1), which limits ACh synthesis by controlling choline uptake into cholinergic neurons.
Biological role and pathway
SLC5A7 is involved in the choline uptake for ACh synthesis pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Autonomic Nervous System 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.
SLC5A7 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CHT1-mediated choline uptake limits ACh synthesis; variants may affect cholinergic neurotransmission and the vagal anti-inflammatory reflex in Long COVID autonomic dysfunction.
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 SLC5A7 gene have been studied in relation to neurotransmitter and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs1013940— SLC5A7 variant
Conditions studied in relation to SLC5A7
Research into SLC5A7 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that SLC5A7 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 SLC5A7 and related genes in the autonomic nervous system 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 Autonomic Nervous System pathway
SLC5A7 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 SLC5A7 gene and what does it do?
SLC5A7 (Solute Carrier Family 5 Member 7 (High-Affinity Choline Transporter)) is involved in choline uptake for ACh synthesis. SLC5A7 encodes the high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1), which limits ACh synthesis by controlling choline uptake into cholinergic neurons.
How may SLC5A7 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CHT1-mediated choline uptake limits ACh synthesis; variants may affect cholinergic neurotransmission and the vagal anti-inflammatory reflex in Long COVID autonomic dysfunction.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my SLC5A7 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 SLC5A7 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 SLC5A7. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Neuroscience