NAT2 rs1800567: Understanding the Slow Acetylator Variant
The rs1800567 variant is a specific genetic change in the NAT2 gene that influences how efficiently the body metabolizes certain drugs and environmental chemicals. It is a key marker used to identify individuals who may be 'slow acetylators,' which can impact how they respond to specific medical treatments.
What each genotype means
Typical enzyme activity
You carry two copies of the common G allele at this position, which does not introduce the decreased-function NAT2*7 variant. Your overall acetylation status depends on other variants across the NAT2 gene, but this specific site does not lower your drug metabolism capacity. Discuss your full NAT2 profile and medication dosing with your clinician or pharmacist.
Carried by over 98% of individuals of European and African descent, and approximately 65% to 80% of individuals in East and Southeast Asian populations.
Moderately reduced acetylation capacity
You carry one copy of the A allele (associated with the NAT2*7 haplotype), which encodes a decreased-function NAT2 enzyme. When paired with a normal-activity NAT2 allele elsewhere, this typically confers an intermediate acetylator phenotype and can moderately slow the clearance of drugs such as isoniazid. Please consult your clinician or pharmacist regarding any medication adjustments or monitoring.
Found in approximately 20% to 30% of individuals of East Asian ancestry, but present in less than 2% of European and African populations.
Reduced acetylation capacity
You carry two copies of the decreased-function A allele, which contributes to a slow acetylator phenotype. Slower metabolism can lead to higher blood concentrations and an increased risk of adverse reactions from medications metabolized by NAT2, such as isoniazid or sulfamethoxazole. Always discuss your pharmacogenomic profile and dosing options directly with your clinician or pharmacist.
Observed in roughly 1% to 4% of individuals in East and Southeast Asian populations, but extremely rare (well under 0.1%) in European and African populations.
What is rs1800567?
The rs1800567 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the NAT2 gene. In scientific literature, this specific change is often referred to as c.857G>A, which results in a protein-level change known as p.Gly286Glu. This variant is a defining feature of the NAT2*7 allele, one of several genetic variations that contribute to the 'slow acetylator' phenotype. Because the NAT2 gene is responsible for producing an enzyme that helps the body break down (metabolize) various substances, changes in the DNA sequence can alter the speed and efficiency of this process. When an individual carries this variant, the resulting enzyme may function differently than the version produced by the common, fully active gene, potentially leading to slower clearance of certain medications or compounds from the body.
The Role of the NAT2 Gene
The NAT2 gene encodes the N-acetyltransferase 2 enzyme, which is primarily active in the liver. This enzyme plays a critical role in the metabolism of xenobiotics—substances that are foreign to the body, such as certain drugs and environmental toxins. By adding an acetyl group to these substances, the enzyme helps the body neutralize or prepare them for excretion. Humans exhibit significant genetic diversity in this gene, which leads to distinct metabolic profiles: rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylators. Slow acetylators have reduced enzyme activity, which can lead to higher concentrations of certain drugs in the bloodstream for longer periods. This is clinically relevant because it may increase the risk of side effects or toxicity for medications processed by this pathway. Conversely, rapid acetylators clear these substances more quickly, which might sometimes result in lower-than-expected therapeutic levels.
Research and Clinical Associations
Research into NAT2 variants like rs1800567 has largely focused on pharmacogenomics—the study of how genes affect drug response. Studies have linked the slow acetylator phenotype to altered responses to various medications, including certain antibiotics and treatments for tuberculosis. While some research has explored associations between NAT2 variants and conditions like atopic asthma or cancer risk, the evidence for these links is often mixed or limited. It is important to note that the clinical impact of a single variant is rarely straightforward; an individual's overall metabolic capacity is determined by the combination of both inherited NAT2 alleles. Because the evidence regarding specific health outcomes beyond drug metabolism is still evolving, this information should not be used to predict disease risk. Always consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to understand how your specific genetic profile might influence your response to prescribed medications.
Population Frequency
The frequency of the rs1800567 variant varies significantly across different global populations. It is notably more common in East and Southeast Asian populations, where the minor allele frequency (MAF) typically ranges from 0.10 to 0.20. In contrast, this variant is much rarer in European populations, where the frequency is often less than 0.01. These differences highlight the importance of ancestry in genetic studies, as the prevalence of specific metabolic phenotypes can differ widely depending on one's geographic and ethnic background. Understanding these population-specific frequencies helps researchers better interpret genetic data and develop more inclusive pharmacogenomic guidelines.
What You Can Do With This Information
Knowing your genotype for rs1800567 provides insight into your potential metabolic profile, but it is not a diagnostic tool. If you have received genetic testing results, the most important step is to share them with your doctor or a clinical pharmacist. They are trained to interpret these results in the context of your overall health, current medications, and medical history. You should never make changes to your prescribed medication regimen based on genetic data alone. If you are concerned about potential side effects or the effectiveness of a drug, ask your clinician if pharmacogenomic testing is appropriate for your specific situation. They can help determine if your NAT2 status is relevant to your treatment plan and adjust dosages if necessary to ensure your safety and the efficacy of your therapy.
How common is this variant?
The rs1800567 variant has a minor allele frequency of approximately 0.10-0.20 in East and Southeast Asian populations, while it is rare (less than 0.01) in European populations.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the rs1800567 variant mean I have a disease?
No, this variant is not a disease-causing mutation. It is a common genetic variation that influences how your body processes certain substances, which is a normal part of human genetic diversity.
Can I use this result to choose my medications?
You should not use this information to choose or change medications on your own. Always discuss your genetic results with your doctor or pharmacist, as they can determine if your genotype is relevant to your specific treatment plan.
What is a 'slow acetylator'?
A slow acetylator is someone whose NAT2 enzyme works more slowly than average. This can cause certain medications to stay in the body for a longer period, which may require dosage adjustments.
Is this variant the only thing that determines my drug metabolism?
No, drug metabolism is complex and influenced by many factors, including other genes, your age, liver function, and other medications you may be taking. Your NAT2 status is just one piece of the puzzle.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/11/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Coding variant c.481C>T (p.Leu161Leu) serving as a diagnostic marker for several NAT2 slow acetylator haplotypes, including *5.
Missense variant (590G>A) defining the NAT2*6A allele, associated with slow acetylator phenotype.
Synonymous polymorphism (857G>A) representing the defining mutation of the slow acetylator NAT2*7 allele.
Synonymous variant (282C>T) associated with the NAT2*6 allele, contributing to slow acetylator status.
This variant (c.590G>A, p.Arg197Gln) is a well-characterized slow acetylator allele in the NAT2 gene, influencing the metabolism of drugs like isoniazid.
Tag SNP defining the rapid versus slow N-acetyltransferase 2 acetylator phenotype, showing substantial allele frequency divergence across world ancestries.