SLCO1B1 Gene

Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter Family Member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) is a gene involved in drug transport that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in SLCO1B1 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 SLCO1B1 gene?

SLCO1B1 encodes solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1b1, a protein involved in drug transport. It belongs to the Metabolism category and is part of the Pharmacogenomics biological cluster. SLCO1B1 (OATP1B1) is a hepatic uptake transporter for statins, bilirubin, bile acids, and many drugs. The rs4149056 variant significantly reduces statin transport, causing statin-induced myopathy.

Biological role and pathway

SLCO1B1 is involved in the drug transport pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Pharmacogenomics 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.

SLCO1B1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Statins are being investigated for Long COVID treatment. SLCO1B1 rs4149056 dramatically increases statin plasma levels and myopathy risk. This pharmacogenomic variant is critical for personalizing statin-based therapies in Long COVID management.

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 SLCO1B1 gene have been studied in relation to metabolism and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to SLCO1B1

Research into SLCO1B1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that SLCO1B1 causes or treats any condition.

Long CovidPharmacokineticsCardiovascularStatin Myopathy

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 SLCO1B1 and related genes in the pharmacogenomics 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 Pharmacogenomics pathway

SLCO1B1 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 SLCO1B1 gene and what does it do?

SLCO1B1 (Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter Family Member 1B1) is involved in drug transport. SLCO1B1 (OATP1B1) is a hepatic uptake transporter for statins, bilirubin, bile acids, and many drugs. The rs4149056 variant significantly reduces statin transport, causing statin-induced myopathy.

How may SLCO1B1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Statins are being investigated for Long COVID treatment. SLCO1B1 rs4149056 dramatically increases statin plasma levels and myopathy risk. This pharmacogenomic variant is critical for personalizing statin-based therapies in Long COVID management.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my SLCO1B1 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 SLCO1B1 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for SLCO1B1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 25948572
  • [2]Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
  • [3]NEJM