SLC6A19 Gene
Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 19 (B0AT1) (SLC6A19) is a gene involved in neutral amino acid absorption / tryptophan transport that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in SLC6A19 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 SLC6A19 gene?
SLC6A19 encodes solute carrier family 6 member 19 (b0at1), a protein involved in neutral amino acid absorption / tryptophan transport. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. SLC6A19 encodes B0AT1, a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter in the intestine and kidney that absorbs tryptophan and other neutral amino acids; it co-assembles with ACE2.
Biological role and pathway
SLC6A19 is involved in the neutral amino acid absorption / tryptophan transport 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.
SLC6A19 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
SLC6A19 forms a complex with ACE2 in the gut; tryptophan absorption impairment may reduce serotonin synthesis and affect the gut-brain axis in Long COVID, explaining serotonin deficiency hypotheses.
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 SLC6A19 gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs11591766— SLC6A19 variant
- rs200091038— SLC6A19 variant
Conditions studied in relation to SLC6A19
Research into SLC6A19 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that SLC6A19 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 SLC6A19 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
SLC6A19 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 SLC6A19 gene and what does it do?
SLC6A19 (Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 19 (B0AT1)) is involved in neutral amino acid absorption / tryptophan transport. SLC6A19 encodes B0AT1, a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter in the intestine and kidney that absorbs tryptophan and other neutral amino acids; it co-assembles with ACE2.
How may SLC6A19 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
SLC6A19 forms a complex with ACE2 in the gut; tryptophan absorption impairment may reduce serotonin synthesis and affect the gut-brain axis in Long COVID, explaining serotonin deficiency hypotheses.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my SLC6A19 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 SLC6A19 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 SLC6A19. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32217835
- [2]Science
- [3]Nature