UGT1A1 Gene
UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Family 1 Member A1 (UGT1A1) is a gene involved in bilirubin glucuronidation / drug conjugation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in UGT1A1 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 UGT1A1 gene?
UGT1A1 encodes udp glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member a1, a protein involved in bilirubin glucuronidation / drug conjugation. It belongs to the Pharmacogenomics category and is part of the Detox & Medication Sensitivity biological cluster. UGT1A1 encodes UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, which conjugates bilirubin and many drugs for biliary or renal excretion.
Biological role and pathway
UGT1A1 is involved in the bilirubin glucuronidation / drug conjugation 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.
UGT1A1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
UGT1A1*28 (*6) reduces bilirubin and drug glucuronidation; Gilbert syndrome from UGT1A1 variants is common and may affect drug metabolism in Long COVID treatment.
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 UGT1A1 gene have been studied in relation to pharmacogenomics and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to UGT1A1
Research into UGT1A1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that UGT1A1 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 UGT1A1 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
UGT1A1 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 UGT1A1 gene and what does it do?
UGT1A1 (UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Family 1 Member A1) is involved in bilirubin glucuronidation / drug conjugation. UGT1A1 encodes UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, which conjugates bilirubin and many drugs for biliary or renal excretion.
How may UGT1A1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
UGT1A1*28 (*6) reduces bilirubin and drug glucuronidation; Gilbert syndrome from UGT1A1 variants is common and may affect drug metabolism in Long COVID treatment.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my UGT1A1 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 UGT1A1 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.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for UGT1A1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics