ABCC11 rs10776839: Understanding Your Genetic Trait Associations
The rs10776839 variant is a non-coding genetic marker located within the ABCC11 gene region. It is primarily studied for its linkage to traits like earwax consistency and axillary odor, which are largely determined by the functional status of the ABCC11 protein.
What each genotype means
Typical Body Odor and Wet Earwax
You carry two copies of the ancestral A allele at rs10776839, which is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the functional ABCC11 variant rs17822931-G. This genetic pattern is associated with standard apocrine gland secretion, producing typical underarm body odor and wet cerumen (earwax).
Carried by the majority of individuals of European and African ancestries, but found in less than 10% of East Asian populations.
Carrier of Reduced Odor Allele
You carry one copy of the derived G allele linked to reduced ABCC11 function alongside one standard A allele. Because the wet earwax and odor-producing traits follow a dominant inheritance pattern, individuals with this genotype typically produce wet earwax and typical underarm odor.
Present in roughly 15% to 35% of people in mixed global cohorts, occurring at higher frequencies in East Asian and admixed populations.
Likely Dry Earwax and Minimal Odor
You carry two copies of the G allele at rs10776839, which strongly tags the ABCC11 loss-of-function allele (rs17822931-A). Research shows this profile is strongly associated with dry, flaky earwax and substantially reduced apocrine gland secretion, resulting in minimal axillary body odor.
Common in East Asian populations where it is found in 60% to 80% of individuals, but rare among people of European or African descent.
What is rs10776839?
The rs10776839 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated in the non-coding regulatory regions of the ABCC11 gene on chromosome 16. While many people focus on the well-known functional SNP rs17822931, which directly alters the ABCC11 protein, rs10776839 is often studied because it sits in linkage disequilibrium with that functional variant. Linkage disequilibrium means that these two genetic markers are frequently inherited together as a block. Because of this, rs10776839 can serve as a proxy or tag for the functional changes that influence how the ABCC11 gene is expressed or regulated. It does not necessarily change the protein structure itself, but its presence often correlates with the same physical traits observed in individuals carrying the functional ABCC11 variants.
The Role of the ABCC11 Gene
The ABCC11 gene provides instructions for making a protein known as the multidrug resistance-associated protein 8 (MRP8). This protein functions as an ATP-dependent transporter, moving various molecules across cell membranes. In the context of human traits, ABCC11 is highly expressed in apocrine sweat glands, which are found in areas like the armpits and the ear canal. The protein is responsible for transporting specific chemical precursors—odorless compounds—to the surface of the skin. Once these precursors reach the skin, they are broken down by bacteria, resulting in the characteristic axillary odor. When the ABCC11 protein is non-functional or absent, these precursors are not transported effectively, leading to a reduction in body odor and the production of dry, rather than wet, earwax.
Research and Evidence Strength
Research into ABCC11 variants is robust regarding their association with visible traits like earwax type and body odor. Studies have consistently shown that the functional variant rs17822931 is the primary driver of these phenotypes. Because rs10776839 is in linkage disequilibrium with this functional site, it appears in many genetic association studies as a marker for these traits. However, the evidence strength for rs10776839 specifically as a direct causal agent is limited, as it is primarily a regulatory or linked marker. While the statistical association with earwax and odor is strong due to its proximity to the functional variant, it is important to distinguish between a marker that is simply 'hitchhiking' with a functional gene change and one that directly alters biological function.
Population Frequency and Distribution
The distribution of ABCC11-related variants shows significant variation across global populations, likely due to historical selective pressures. The 'dry earwax' and 'reduced body odor' phenotype is highly prevalent in East Asian populations, with some studies suggesting frequencies of 80-90% in certain groups. Conversely, these traits are relatively rare in European and African populations, where the 'wet earwax' phenotype is the norm. Because rs10776839 is linked to these functional variants, its frequency patterns mirror this geographic distribution. It is important to note that these traits are normal human variations and are not considered medical conditions. The high frequency of these variants in specific ancestries is a classic example of how genetic markers can become fixed or highly common within a population over many generations.
Interpreting Your Genetic Information
Understanding your genotype for markers like rs10776839 can provide insight into your biological traits, such as earwax consistency or body odor tendencies. However, it is essential to remember that these are simply physical traits, not indicators of health or disease. You cannot use this information to diagnose any medical condition or predict complex health outcomes. If you are interested in how your genetics might influence your response to specific medications—as some ABCC11 variants have been studied for their role in drug transport—you should consult with a qualified clinician or pharmacist. They can provide context based on your full medical history and current clinical guidelines. Genetic data should always be viewed as one piece of a much larger biological puzzle, rather than a definitive guide to your health.
How common is this variant?
The variant is highly enriched in East Asian populations, where the associated dry earwax phenotype is common, while it remains rare in European and African populations.
Frequently asked questions
Does my earwax type indicate a health problem?
No, earwax type is a normal genetic variation determined by the ABCC11 gene. It is not a sign of illness or a medical condition.
Can I change my body odor based on my ABCC11 genotype?
Your genotype is fixed at birth. While you cannot change your genetic predisposition, personal hygiene practices are the primary way to manage body odor regardless of your genotype.
Is rs10776839 the same as the earwax gene?
rs10776839 is a marker located within the ABCC11 gene region. It is linked to the functional variant that directly determines earwax type, but it is not the only variant involved.
Should I be worried if I have the 'dry earwax' genotype?
There is no reason for concern. Having dry earwax is a common, harmless trait found in a large portion of the global population.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/10/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Functional determinant of earwax dry/wet type and axillary body odor presentation via apocrine gland excretion.
Classic determinant of dry earwax versus wet earwax and axillary body odor production.
This variant determines earwax type (wet vs. dry) and is a primary genetic determinant of axillary osmidrosis (body odor).
A linked non-coding regulatory variant in strong LD with the causative ABCC11 earwax and body odor determinant.
This variant is often confused with the functional rs17822931 (538G>A) variant; rs17822931 is the primary determinant of apocrine secretion, dry versus wet earwax, and axillary osmidrosis.
This variant in the ABCC11 gene is the primary determinant of earwax type, where the AA genotype results in dry earwax and the GG/GA genotypes result in wet earwax.