CDH18 rs13173892: Understanding Your Genetic Variant
The rs13173892 variant is a common genetic marker located within the CDH18 gene. It has been identified in large-scale genome-wide association studies as being linked to variations in alcohol consumption patterns.
What each genotype means
Alcohol consumption marker
This genotype is identified in genome-wide association studies as a marker associated with alcohol consumption quality. Because this association is based on statistical population-level data, it does not predict individual behavior or health outcomes. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns regarding alcohol use or health.
This is a common genotype found across diverse global populations.
Alcohol consumption marker
This genotype is identified in genome-wide association studies as a marker associated with alcohol consumption quality. Because this association is based on statistical population-level data, it does not predict individual behavior or health outcomes. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns regarding alcohol use or health.
This is a common genotype found across diverse global populations.
Alcohol consumption marker
This genotype is identified in genome-wide association studies as a marker associated with alcohol consumption quality. Because this association is based on statistical population-level data, it does not predict individual behavior or health outcomes. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns regarding alcohol use or health.
This is a common genotype found across diverse global populations.
What is rs13173892?
The rs13173892 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which is a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence. In the context of the human genome, SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation. This specific variant is located within the CDH18 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein involved in cell-to-cell adhesion. Researchers track these variants to understand how subtle differences in our genetic code might correlate with complex human behaviors and traits. Because rs13173892 is a common variant, it is found frequently across diverse human populations, making it a subject of interest for scientists studying the genetic architecture of behavioral traits like alcohol consumption.
The Role of the CDH18 Gene
The CDH18 gene encodes a protein known as Cadherin-18. Cadherins are a family of calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules that play a critical role in the formation and maintenance of tissues by helping cells stick together. Specifically, CDH18 is primarily expressed in the central nervous system, where it is thought to be involved in the development and function of synapses—the junctions where neurons communicate with one another. While the exact mechanism linking CDH18 to alcohol-related behaviors is still being investigated, researchers hypothesize that variations in genes involved in neuronal connectivity and synaptic plasticity may influence how individuals respond to environmental stimuli, including the consumption of alcohol.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between rs13173892 and alcohol consumption is derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies compare the DNA of large groups of people to identify markers that appear more frequently in individuals with a specific trait compared to those without it. The evidence for this association is considered moderate. It is important to note that complex traits like alcohol consumption are polygenic, meaning they are influenced by hundreds or thousands of small genetic variants, as well as significant environmental and social factors. Therefore, while rs13173892 is a statistically significant marker in certain studies, it does not act as a sole determinant of behavior. The findings represent population-level trends rather than individual predictions.
Interpreting Your Information
If you have received information about your genotype for rs13173892, it is essential to view it within the context of scientific research. This variant is a marker for a trait, not a diagnostic tool for a medical condition. Genetic associations identified in research studies describe patterns observed across large populations and cannot predict an individual's personal choices or health outcomes. You cannot use this information to diagnose yourself or others, nor should it be used to make medical decisions. If you have concerns about alcohol use or health, the most effective approach is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance based on your complete medical history, lifestyle, and clinical evaluation, which are far more informative than any single genetic marker.
How common is this variant?
The rs13173892 variant is considered a common SNP, with its various genotypes appearing at significant frequencies across most major global ancestral populations.
Frequently asked questions
Does this variant mean I will have a problem with alcohol?
No. This variant is a statistical marker associated with consumption patterns in large studies and does not determine individual behavior or predict the development of alcohol use disorders.
Can I use this result to change my diet or lifestyle?
Genetic markers like rs13173892 are not intended to guide lifestyle or dietary changes. Decisions regarding your health and habits should be based on professional medical advice and your own well-being.
Is this a diagnostic test?
No, this is not a diagnostic test. It is a research-based association that provides information about population-level genetic trends, not clinical medical data.
Where can I learn more about my specific genetic results?
If you have questions about your genetic data, you should discuss them with a genetic counselor or your primary care physician. They can help you interpret the information in the context of your overall health.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/2/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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This variant is linked to smoking initiation.
This variant is associated with variations in alcohol consumption quality.
This variant is associated with alcohol consumption quality.
This variant is associated with alcohol consumption quality in genome-wide association studies.
This variant is associated with smoking initiation.
This variant is linked to alcohol consumption quality traits.