What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Gout and Uric Acid Risk: 10/10 evidence, 27 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lower Gout Risk and Typical Uric Acid Levels
Inheriting two copies of the T allele is associated with more efficient uric acid clearance and lower blood urate levels. This protective effect significantly reduces the likelihood of developing painful gout flare-ups. Additionally, this genotype is linked to slightly increased height and lean muscle mass.
What this genotype means: Lower blood uric acid levels; Reduced susceptibility to gout; Slightly higher average height.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Gout Risk and Elevated Uric Acid Levels
Having two copies of the C allele is associated with the highest levels of blood uric acid and an increased risk of gout. This genotype reduces the excretion of urate, making the joints more susceptible to painful crystal buildup. Proactive lifestyle choices can help mitigate these genetic risks.
What this genotype means: Elevated blood uric acid levels; Increased susceptibility to gout; Higher circulating carnitine levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Slightly Increased Gout Risk and Higher Uric Acid
Carrying one copy of the C allele is linked to slightly higher blood uric acid levels and an elevated risk of gout. The presence of this single risk allele moderately reduces the body's efficiency in clearing urate. Monitoring dietary purine intake can help manage these metabolic tendencies.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher blood uric acid levels; Slightly increased risk of gout; Elevated blood carnitine levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The SLC16A9 gene encodes monocarboxylate transporter 9 (MCT9), a specialized transport protein found in the kidneys and intestines [1]. This transporter plays a critical role in regulating the excretion of uric acid and carnitine metabolites from the body [2]. By managing the balance of these compounds, the gene directly influences blood urate levels and susceptibility to inflammatory joint conditions [3]. Variations in this gene can alter transporter expression, affecting how efficiently the body clears metabolic waste products [4].
Variant Impact: The rs1171614 variant is located in the 5 prime untranslated region (UTR) of the SLC16A9 gene, where it acts as an expression regulator [2]. This genetic change alters the expression levels of the MCT9 transporter rather than modifying the protein structure itself [2]. Lower expression of the transporter is associated with reduced excretion of uric acid, leading to higher circulating urate levels in the blood [1]. Consequently, this regulatory variant is a well-established genetic marker for hyperuricemia and gout susceptibility across diverse populations [3].
Key Insight: This variant acts as a genetic thermostat for uric acid, where carrying the major C allele dials down the body's ability to flush out urate, raising gout risk, while also elevating blood carnitine levels.
Location: SLC16A9. Chromosome 10 · 10q21.2 · 59.7 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 4.6%; European 5.0%; African 5.5%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 2.2%; Americas 3.0%; Ashkenazi 3.9%; Finnish 2.3%; Middle Eastern 5.3%; Amish 21.4%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 32.4%; European 34.8%; African 36.0%; East Asian 0.3%; South Asian 25.5%; Americas 28.8%; Ashkenazi 31.7%; Finnish 25.6%; Middle Eastern 35.6%; Amish 49.7%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 63.0%; European 60.2%; African 58.5%; East Asian 99.7%; South Asian 72.3%; Americas 68.2%; Ashkenazi 64.4%; Finnish 72.1%; Middle Eastern 59.1%; Amish 28.9%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Gout & Uric Acid
Gout. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 39406924. Typical Risk.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23263486. Lower Levels.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Blood Chemistry & Metabolites
Carnitine Levels. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 25569235. Lower Levels.
Lifestyle, Fitness & Aging
Height & Body Size
Height. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 30595370. Slightly Taller.
Muscle Strength & Power
Appendicular Lean Mass. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33097823. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Gout. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 39406924. Increased Risk.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23263486. Higher Levels.
Carnitine Levels. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 25569235. Higher Levels.
Height. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 30595370. Typical.
Appendicular Lean Mass. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33097823. Typical.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Efficient transport of metabolic waste products characterizes this genotype, as the T allele promotes optimal excretion of uric acid through the kidneys and intestines [1]. Individuals with two copies of this allele typically maintain lower baseline serum urate levels, reducing the risk of crystal deposition in the joints [2]. Large-scale genomic studies confirm a robust association between this genotype and a lower incidence of gout [3]. Beyond uric acid regulation, the T allele is consistently linked to a slight increase in adult height [4]. Research also indicates a positive association with appendicular lean mass, suggesting a subtle influence on overall body composition [5]. Maintaining a balanced diet low in purines further supports the natural metabolic advantages of this genetic profile.
Lower blood uric acid levels; Reduced susceptibility to gout; Slightly higher average height.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Reduced excretion of uric acid is highly characteristic of this genotype due to lower expression of the MCT9 transporter [1]. With two copies of the C allele, individuals exhibit significantly higher baseline serum urate concentrations [2]. This accumulation of uric acid elevates the risk of crystallization in the joints, leading to a higher susceptibility to gout [3]. Large cohort studies demonstrate a clear, dose-dependent increase in gout risk for this homozygous major genotype [4]. Additionally, this genetic profile is associated with elevated levels of carnitine and related metabolites in the blood [5]. Conversely, this genotype is linked to slightly lower average height and lean muscle mass compared to T allele carriers [6]. Emphasizing hydration and limiting purine-rich foods are common strategies to support kidney function and manage urate levels.
Elevated blood uric acid levels; Increased susceptibility to gout; Higher circulating carnitine levels.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Intermediate clearance of uric acid is typical for individuals carrying one copy of the C allele [1]. This genetic configuration leads to a moderate reduction in the expression of the MCT9 transporter, resulting in slightly elevated serum urate levels [2]. Consequently, clinical data shows a modest increase in the lifetime risk of developing gout [3]. The C allele also influences carnitine metabolism, leading to higher circulating levels of carnitine and its acetylated derivatives [4]. While the single T allele provides some counterbalancing influence on height and muscle mass, the overall metabolic profile leans toward higher urate retention [5]. Lifestyle factors, including limiting alcohol and high-purine foods, play an important role in managing this moderate genetic predisposition.
Moderately higher blood uric acid levels; Slightly increased risk of gout; Elevated blood carnitine levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1171617 · SLC16A9 Gene · Chr 10 · Gout Risk
rs1171616 · SLC16A9 Gene · Chr 10 · Gout and Uric Acid Risk
rs12356193 · SLC16A9 Gene · Chr 10 · Gout and Uric Acid Risk
Genome-wide association analyses identify 18 new loci associated with serum urate concentrations.
A genome-wide association analysis reveals new pathogenic pathways in gout.
Insight in genome-wide association of metabolite quantitative traits by exome sequence analyses.
Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative: Powering genetic discovery across human disease.
A saturated map of common genetic variants associated with human height.
Genetic Influences on Metabolite Levels: A Comparison across Metabolomic Platforms.
A cross-population atlas of genetic associations for 220 human phenotypes.
Content updated August 2026.
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