What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Gut Inflammation Risk: 10/10 evidence, 18 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Gut Inflammation Risk
Typical baseline risk is expected for inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Standard levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation, are also typical for this profile.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline risk for inflammatory bowel disease; Standard baseline levels of C-reactive protein.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lowest Gut Inflammation Risk
Carrying two copies of the protective A allele is associated with the lowest risk of inflammatory bowel disease and lower levels of systemic inflammation. This profile offers the strongest genetic shield against chronic gut issues.
What this genotype means: Significantly reduced risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease; Lower baseline levels of C-reactive protein.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Lower Gut Inflammation Risk
Carrying one copy of the protective A allele is associated with a lower risk of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. It is also linked to slightly lower levels of systemic inflammatory markers.
What this genotype means: Reduced risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease; Slightly lower baseline levels of C-reactive protein.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The PSMG1 gene encodes the proteasome assembly chaperone 1, a protein essential for the proper folding and assembly of immunoproteasomes [1]. These specialized proteasomes play a critical role in processing antigens and regulating immune and inflammatory responses [2]. Proper function of this pathway is vital for maintaining immune tolerance, particularly in the gut lining where the body constantly interacts with diverse microbes [2]. Disruptions or variations in this region can alter how the immune system responds to intestinal bacteria, potentially triggering chronic inflammatory conditions [3].
Variant Impact: Located on chromosome 21 near the PSMG1 gene, rs2836878 is an intergenic genetic marker [1]. Although it does not directly alter a protein sequence, it acts as a regulatory expression marker that influences the activity of nearby immune-related genes [3]. The G allele of this variant is associated with increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases and elevated systemic inflammation markers [4]. Conversely, the minor A allele has a protective effect, helping to maintain a more balanced immune response in the gastrointestinal tract [2].
Key Insight: This genetic variant acts as a protective shield for gut health, where carrying the minor A allele significantly lowers the risk of chronic inflammatory bowel conditions.
Location: PSMG1. Chromosome 21 · 21q22.2 · 39.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 59.9%; European 53.3%; African 74.1%; East Asian 69.0%; South Asian 56.2%; Americas 50.8%; Ashkenazi 57.2%; Finnish 59.3%; Middle Eastern 64.2%; Amish 35.6%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 34.5%; European 39.4%; African 23.9%; East Asian 28.2%; South Asian 37.6%; Americas 40.9%; Ashkenazi 36.9%; Finnish 35.4%; Middle Eastern 31.8%; Amish 48.1%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 5.6%; European 7.3%; African 1.9%; East Asian 2.9%; South Asian 6.3%; Americas 8.2%; Ashkenazi 5.9%; Finnish 5.3%; Middle Eastern 3.9%; Amish 16.2%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Immunity & Inflammation
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26192919. Typical Risk.
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20228799. Typical Risk.
Crohn's Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 26192919. Typical Risk.
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21300955. Typical Levels.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 30275531. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26192919. Lowest Risk.
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20228799. Lowest Risk.
Crohn's Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 26192919. Lowest Risk.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21300955. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 26192919. Lower Risk.
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20228799. Lower Risk.
Crohn's Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 26192919. Lower Risk.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21300955. Slightly Lower.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
G/G is the most common genotype globally. It represents the standard baseline risk for developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease [1] [2]. Studies show that individuals with this genotype tend to have typical baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key biomarker of systemic inflammation [3]. While it lacks the protective effect against gut inflammation seen in carriers of the A allele, it is also associated with slightly lower triglyceride levels [4]. Overall, this genotype represents the standard genetic baseline for gut health and inflammatory markers in the general population. Having this baseline profile means that lifestyle factors like diet and stress management play a primary role in determining overall gut health. Standard screening guidelines for gastrointestinal health apply normally to individuals with this genetic profile. Maintaining a diverse microbiome through a balanced diet remains a highly effective way to support gut barrier function.
Typical baseline risk for inflammatory bowel disease; Standard baseline levels of C-reactive protein.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
A/A is the least common genotype and offers the strongest genetic protection against inflammatory bowel diseases. Individuals with two copies of the A allele have significantly lower odds of developing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease compared to the general population [1] [2]. This protective effect is thought to be mediated through the regulation of immune pathways near the PSMG1 gene, which influences how the body manages inflammatory responses. Consequently, this genotype is also linked to lower baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory markers [3]. While the A allele is associated with a minor, incremental increase in triglyceride levels, the substantial reduction in chronic gut inflammation risk remains the dominant health feature of this genotype [4]. This strong genetic buffering helps maintain gut lining integrity and prevents the runaway immune activation characteristic of autoimmune gut disorders. Even with this robust genetic protection, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for overall digestive wellness. This profile highlights how specific genetic variations can actively shield the body from common chronic inflammatory conditions.
Significantly reduced risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease; Lower baseline levels of C-reactive protein.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
G/A carriers benefit from a protective effect against chronic gut inflammation. Research indicates that having one copy of the A allele reduces the odds of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease [1] [2]. This genetic variant is located near the PSMG1 gene, which is involved in proteasome assembly and immune regulation. Along with a lower risk of gut disorders, individuals with this genotype often exhibit lower circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), indicating reduced systemic inflammation [3]. There is a very minor trade-off, as the A allele is associated with a tiny increase in blood triglyceride levels, though this effect is generally negligible in daily life [4]. This balanced genetic profile suggests a naturally resilient intestinal barrier that is less prone to overreacting to common gut microbes. Standard dietary habits that support gut health, such as consuming prebiotic fibers, can further enhance this natural genetic advantage. Knowing this status helps paint a clearer picture of personal baseline inflammation and cardiovascular health markers.
Reduced risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease; Slightly lower baseline levels of C-reactive protein.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10761659 · ZNF365 Gene · Chr 10 · Crohn's Disease Risk
rs6426833 · OTUD3 Gene · Chr 1 · Ulcerative Colitis Risk
rs9858542 · BSN Gene · Chr 3 · Crohn's Disease Risk
Loci on 20q13 and 21q22 are associated with pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease.
Host-microbe interactions have shaped the genetic architecture of inflammatory bowel disease.
Genetics of blood lipids among ~300,000 multi-ethnic participants of the Million Veteran Program.
Content updated August 2026.
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