MED13L rs11263535: What Your Genotype Means
The single nucleotide polymorphism rs11263535 is a common genetic variant located within the MED13L gene on chromosome 12. In large-scale genome-wide association studies, it has shown subtle statistical associations with variation in anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes. Because these statistical associations are modest and the current scientific evidence remains limited, this variant is classified as a polygenic trait marker rather than a diagnostic indicator.
What each genotype means
Typical metabolic trait baseline
You carry two copies of the C allele at rs11263535 in the MED13L locus. In large-scale population association studies, this genotype reflects the standard baseline profile for investigated anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes. Current scientific evidence for this common non-coding variant remains limited and does not indicate any diagnostic health consequence or clinically actionable change.
Carried by approximately 56% of individuals across global populations.
Slight variation in metabolic traits
You carry one copy of the T allele and one copy of the C allele at rs11263535. Genome-wide association meta-analyses have noted modest statistical shifts in certain anthropometric or metabolic measures with this heterozygous genotype. However, because scientific evidence is limited and effect sizes are very small, this variant does not determine individual health outcomes or replace standard clinical evaluations.
Carried by approximately 38% of individuals globally.
Slight variation in metabolic traits
You carry two copies of the T minor allele at rs11263535 near the MED13L gene. Large genome-wide association studies have identified modest correlations between this genotype and small variations in anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes. The available evidence is limited to minor statistical associations across populations and does not suggest any diagnostic disease risk or require medical action.
Carried by approximately 6% of people globally.
Genomic Location and Variant Characteristics
The variant rs11263535 represents a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated within the chromosomal band 12q24.21, embedded inside the locus of the mediator complex subunit 13L (MED13L) gene. Genetic variations in human DNA are cataloged in public repositories such as NCBI dbSNP and gnomAD to track how often specific nucleotide changes appear across diverse populations. At this position, the DNA sequence commonly carries either an adenine (A) or a guanine (G) nucleotide. Because rs11263535 is located in a noncoding intronic region of the gene, it does not alter the underlying amino acid sequence of the resulting protein. Instead, noncoding variants like this one often serve as genetic tags for nearby genomic regions, or they may exert very small regulatory influences on how RNA transcripts are spliced, expressed, or stabilized within particular cells.
Biological Role of the MED13L Gene
The MED13L gene encodes a key protein subunit of the eukaryotic mediator complex, a large multiprotein assembly essential for transcriptional regulation. According to biomedical resources like MedlinePlus Genetics and GeneReviews, the mediator complex serves as an indispensable molecular bridge, transferring regulatory signals from gene-specific transcription factors directly to RNA polymerase II. Through this mechanism, MED13L helps orchestrate early development, cellular differentiation, and tissue maintenance before and after birth. While rare, high-impact loss-of-function mutations or deletions in MED13L can cause a severe neurodevelopmental condition known as MED13L syndrome, common noncoding variants like rs11263535 behave entirely differently. Common variants do not disrupt the fundamental function of the mediator complex; rather, they gently modulate gene activity in a way that contributes to normal, complex variation among healthy human populations.
Evidence Strength and Association Studies
In large-scale meta-analyses cataloged by resources like the GWAS Catalog, rs11263535 has been linked to subtle variations in human metabolic traits and anthropometric measurements, such as body composition metrics and related cardiovascular parameters. However, the scientific evidence supporting these links is formally categorized as limited. In statistical genetics, large cohort studies can detect very small correlation signals across the genome that reach statistical significance without conferring a predictable individual effect. Current research shows that rs11263535 accounts for only an infinitesimal fraction of phenotypic variability in the general population. Furthermore, association signals can vary depending on ancestral background and environmental context, meaning that carrying a specific allele does not reliably dictate any noticeable physiological outcome on its own.
Interpretation and Clinical Context
Learning your genotype for rs11263535 provides educational insight into polygenic traits, but it carries no clinical diagnostic utility. A common intronic polymorphism should never be confused with rare, pathogenic Mendelian mutations in MED13L that lead to monogenic disorders. For multifactorial traits involving metabolism and body mass, genetics represents only one piece of a complex puzzle dominated by lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep quality, and environmental stressors. If you encounter this variant on a direct-to-consumer genetic test, it should not be used to alter dietary habits, guide weight management plans, or inform medical care. Any questions regarding personal metabolic wellness or overall health should be discussed directly with a qualified primary care physician or a licensed genetic counselor.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele of rs11263535 has an estimated frequency of approximately 0.25 (25%) across broad global reference populations cataloged in genomic databases such as gnomAD. As a result, heterozygous and homozygous genotypes are commonly observed throughout worldwide cohorts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs11263535 variant in the MED13L gene?
The rs11263535 variant is a common single nucleotide polymorphism located in an intronic, noncoding region of the MED13L gene on chromosome 12. Rather than altering protein structure, it is studied in population genetics for its minor statistical associations with complex metabolic and body measurement traits.
Does having rs11263535 mean I have MED13L syndrome?
No, rs11263535 does not cause MED13L syndrome. MED13L syndrome is caused by rare, high-impact mutations or structural chromosomal deletions that disrupt the protein, whereas rs11263535 is a benign, highly prevalent variation carried by billions of healthy individuals globally.
Can my rs11263535 genotype predict my body weight or metabolism?
No, your genotype at rs11263535 cannot reliably predict your body weight, body composition, or metabolic rate. Complex physical traits are influenced by thousands of genetic loci interacting alongside daily nutrition, sleep, exercise, and overall environment, with this single SNP exerting only a tiny statistical influence.
Does rs11263535 influence how I respond to medications?
There is currently no established clinical evidence linking rs11263535 to altered pharmaceutical metabolism or adverse drug reactions. If you have questions about how your genetics may interact with specific medications, consult your prescribing physician or a clinical pharmacist.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/9/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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