What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Kidney Disease Risk: 10/10 evidence, 18 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Kidney Disease Risk
Baseline kidney filtration rates and typical susceptibility to chronic kidney disease are expected. Standard levels of uromodulin protein are excreted in the urine.
What this genotype means: Typical kidney filtration rates; Standard baseline risk of chronic kidney disease.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/T
Lower Kidney Disease Risk
Protection against chronic kidney disease and slightly higher kidney filtration rates are likely. A single copy of the protective allele reduces uromodulin-induced stress on the kidneys.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher kidney filtration rate; Reduced risk of chronic kidney disease; Better response to cyclosporine post-transplant.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lowest Kidney Disease Risk
Maximum protection against chronic kidney disease and optimal kidney filtration rates are expected. Two copies of the protective allele significantly minimize uromodulin-related renal strain.
What this genotype means: Highest kidney filtration rate; Significantly reduced risk of chronic kidney disease; Better response to cyclosporine post-transplant.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Uromodulin, encoded by the UMOD gene, is the most abundant protein excreted in normal human urine [1]. It is produced exclusively by the epithelial cells lining the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidneys [1]. This protein plays a vital role in defending against urinary tract infections and preventing kidney stones [2]. However, high levels of uromodulin can promote inflammation, raise blood pressure, and accelerate kidney damage over time [3]. Genetic variations that regulate how much uromodulin the kidneys produce directly influence long-term renal health [3].
Variant Impact: Located in the promoter region of the UMOD gene, rs12917707 is a common genetic variant that acts as a dial for uromodulin production. The major G allele is associated with higher expression and excretion of uromodulin in the urine [1]. Conversely, the minor T allele reduces uromodulin levels, which alleviates stress on the kidney's filtration units [1]. This reduction in protein levels helps maintain a higher glomerular filtration rate and lowers the risk of chronic kidney disease [4]. It also influences how the kidneys handle metabolic waste products like creatinine, urea, and uric acid [5].
Key Insight: The protective T allele of this variant reduces the production of a common kidney protein, which paradoxically shields the kidneys from long-term wear and tear.
Location: UMOD. Chromosome 16 · 16p12.3 · 20.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 74.8%; European 67.2%; African 90.9%; East Asian 97.9%; South Asian 74.0%; Americas 69.6%; Ashkenazi 74.5%; Finnish 59.8%; Middle Eastern 67.2%; Amish 51.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 22.8%; European 29.5%; African 8.9%; East Asian 2.1%; South Asian 24.1%; Americas 27.6%; Ashkenazi 23.6%; Finnish 35.1%; Middle Eastern 29.6%; Amish 40.3%.
Estimated GT genotype frequency.
Global 2.3%; European 3.2%; African 0.2%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 2.0%; Americas 2.7%; Ashkenazi 1.9%; Finnish 5.1%; Middle Eastern 3.3%; Amish 7.8%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Kidney Disease. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19430482. Typical Risk.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26831199. Typical Rate.
Blood Waste Levels. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Gout & Uric Acid
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
Pharmacogenomics
Immunosuppressant & Biologic Response
Transplant Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 28418009. Typical Response.
Showing effects for G/T genotype
Kidney Disease. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19430482. Lower Risk.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26831199. Slightly Higher.
Blood Waste Levels. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Lower.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Lower.
Transplant Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 28418009. Stronger Response.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Kidney Disease. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19430482. Lowest Risk.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26831199. Higher Rate.
Blood Waste Levels. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Lower Levels.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Lower Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Standard uromodulin production is maintained by this common genetic profile [1]. Because uromodulin levels are typical, the kidneys experience standard baseline levels of filtration stress and inflammation over a lifetime [1]. Large-scale genetic studies show typical filtration rates as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [2]. Levels of metabolic waste products in the blood, such as creatinine, cystatin C, and urea, generally remain within the normal reference range [3]. There is no inherited reduction in the risk of developing chronic kidney disease or age-related kidney decline [4]. If undergoing a kidney transplant, standard long-term graft survival is observed under cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive therapy [5].
Typical kidney filtration rates; Standard baseline risk of chronic kidney disease.
Sample genotype: GT (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the protective T allele naturally lowers the production of uromodulin protein in the kidneys [1]. Lower levels of this protein reduce chronic inflammation and physical strain within the renal tubules [1]. Genome-wide association studies show that this reduction correlates with a significantly lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease [2]. Kidney filtration efficiency, measured by eGFR, is slightly higher compared to the common genotype [3]. Blood levels of waste products like creatinine, urea, and uric acid tend to be slightly lower, reflecting cleaner filtration [4]. Additionally, clinical research indicates a potentially better long-term graft survival rate when receiving cyclosporine therapy after a kidney transplant [5]. These combined factors contribute to an overall healthier renal profile over time.
Slightly higher kidney filtration rate; Reduced risk of chronic kidney disease; Better response to cyclosporine post-transplant.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Two copies of the protective T allele lead to the lowest levels of uromodulin excretion [1]. This substantial reduction minimizes the long-term inflammatory and hypertensive strain on the delicate filtering units of the kidneys [1]. Large clinical cohorts demonstrate a highly significant reduction in the risk of developing chronic kidney disease [2]. Kidney function is optimized, showing the highest average estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) [3]. Blood concentrations of metabolic waste markers, including cystatin C, urea, and uric acid, are consistently lower [4]. Furthermore, this genotype is associated with improved long-term kidney graft survival in patients treated with cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimens [5]. Having this genetic makeup provides a strong natural defense against age-related renal decline.
Highest kidney filtration rate; Significantly reduced risk of chronic kidney disease; Better response to cyclosporine post-transplant.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs13333226 · UMOD Gene · Chr 16 · Hypertension and Kidney Health
rs4293393 · UMOD Gene · Chr 16 · Kidney Disease Risk
rs77924615 · PDILT Gene · Chr 16 · Kidney Disease Risk
Common variants in UMOD associate with urinary uromodulin levels: a meta-analysis.
Multiple loci associated with indices of renal function and chronic kidney disease.
Genetics of 35 blood and urine biomarkers in the UK Biobank.
Content updated August 2026.
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