rs4149268
Variant in the ABCA1 gene (ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 1)
rs4149268 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ABCA1 gene, involved in reverse cholesterol transport. Variants at this position have been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the rs4149268 variant?
rs4149268 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the ABCA1 (ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 1) gene. It belongs to the Metabolism category and is part of the Mitochondrial & Metabolic biological cluster. ABCA1 mediates efflux of cellular cholesterol and phospholipids to lipid-poor ApoA-I, initiating HDL particle formation. Loss-of-function causes Tangier disease with very low HDL; variants are associated with cardiovascular and Alzheimer's risk.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the ABCA1 gene, which is involved in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. Genes within the Mitochondrial & Metabolic 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 — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
rs4149268 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Low HDL is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and poor recovery. ABCA1 variants affecting reverse cholesterol transport and HDL generation may contribute to the dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk of Long COVID, particularly relevant to Long COVID cognitive complaints and neuroinflammation.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: ABCA1
rs4149268 is one of 3 known variants in the ABCA1 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View ABCA1 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs4149268
Research into ABCA1 variants including rs4149268 has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply causation.
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 ABCA1 and the rs4149268 variant.
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.
Other variants in the ABCA1 gene
The following variants in ABCA1 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs4149268 variant in the ABCA1 gene?
rs4149268 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the ABCA1 (ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 1) gene, which is involved in reverse cholesterol transport. ABCA1 mediates efflux of cellular cholesterol and phospholipids to lipid-poor ApoA-I, initiating HDL particle formation. Loss-of-function causes Tangier disease with very low HDL; variants are associated with cardiovascular and Alzheimer's risk.
How may the rs4149268 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Low HDL is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and poor recovery. ABCA1 variants affecting reverse cholesterol transport and HDL generation may contribute to the dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk of Long COVID, particularly relevant to Long COVID cognitive complaints and neuroinflammation.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs4149268 variant?
Many consumer DNA tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage genotype common SNPs. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Find out if you carry the rs4149268 variant
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 ABCA1 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 28578556
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Circulation