Understanding rs839523: A Genetic Variant in Genomic Research
The genetic variant rs839523 is an intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that has been identified in various genomic research studies. It is primarily noted for its presence in diverse population-based investigations rather than being linked to a specific clinical condition.
What each genotype means
Typical genetic profile
This genotype represents the most common form of this variant observed in general population studies. Current research does not associate this specific genetic sequence with any significant clinical traits or health conditions.
This is the most frequent genotype observed across global populations.
Typical genetic profile
This genotype is a common variation where one copy of the variant differs from the reference sequence. There is no established evidence in current genomic literature to suggest this genotype influences specific health outcomes or physical traits.
This genotype is found at moderate frequencies in many diverse population groups.
Typical genetic profile
This genotype represents the alternative homozygous state for this variant. Scientific studies have not identified this specific configuration as a marker for any known disease or clinical phenotype.
This genotype is less common than the AA or AG configurations in most studied populations.
What is rs839523?
A single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. The variant rs839523 is classified as an intergenic SNP, meaning it is located in the non-coding regions of the genome that lie between genes. Unlike variants located within the exons of a gene, which may directly alter the structure of a protein, intergenic variants are often studied for their potential roles in regulating gene expression or as markers in linkage disequilibrium with other functional variants. Because it does not sit within a known gene, rs839523 does not have a direct protein-coding function. Instead, researchers track such variants to understand the architecture of the human genome and to identify patterns of inheritance across different ancestral groups.
Research Associations and Evidence
In the context of the GWAS Catalog and other genomic databases, rs839523 is categorized as a trait-associated variant with moderate evidence strength. Genomic research often identifies such variants through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which scan the genomes of large populations to find statistical correlations between specific SNPs and observable traits or health outcomes. For rs839523, the evidence is considered moderate, suggesting that while it appears in various studies, it does not currently have a definitive, high-impact clinical association that would warrant diagnostic use. It is important to distinguish between a statistical association and a causal relationship; a variant may be associated with a trait simply because it is inherited alongside a nearby functional mutation. Consequently, findings related to this variant should be viewed as exploratory rather than conclusive.
Population Frequency and Distribution
The frequency of a genetic variant can vary significantly depending on the ancestral background of the population being studied. For rs839523, there is no specific, widely recorded population frequency data available in standard public repositories like gnomAD or the CDC’s genomic databases. This lack of specific frequency data is common for many intergenic variants that have not been the primary focus of large-scale clinical sequencing projects. When a variant is described as being present in diverse population studies, it implies that it has been observed across different cohorts, but the exact percentage of individuals carrying the variant may remain unknown or under-reported. Researchers continue to collect data to better understand how common this variant is globally and whether its distribution follows specific ancestral patterns.
Interpreting Your Genetic Information
If you have encountered rs839523 in a personal genetic report, it is essential to understand that this information is for educational purposes and does not constitute a medical diagnosis. Because this variant is intergenic and lacks a strong, well-established clinical link, it is not typically used to predict health outcomes or guide medical treatment. Genetic data is complex, and the presence of a specific genotype does not guarantee the development of any trait or condition. If you are concerned about your health or have questions about how genetic variants might influence your well-being, you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider or a genetic counselor. They can help you interpret your results in the context of your personal and family medical history, ensuring that you receive accurate and actionable information.
How common is this variant?
There is no specific, widely recorded population frequency data available for rs839523 in major public genomic databases.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs839523 linked to a specific disease?
Currently, rs839523 is not definitively linked to any specific disease. It is primarily noted in research for its presence in diverse population studies rather than as a clinical marker.
What does it mean if my report shows this variant?
Finding this variant in a report simply means you carry a specific genetic sequence at that location. Because it is an intergenic variant with moderate evidence, it is generally considered a neutral finding.
Should I be worried about my health because of this SNP?
No, there is no reason for concern based on this variant alone. It is not a diagnostic marker, and you should discuss any health concerns with your doctor.
Where can I find more information about this variant?
You can search for the rsID on the GWAS Catalog or the NCBI dbSNP database. These resources provide the most up-to-date scientific information on known genetic variants.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/6/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs839523?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants
This variant is linked to clinical outcomes and drug response in heart failure patients.
This variant is a well-replicated genome-wide significant locus associated with habitual sleep duration, including both short and long sleep phenotypes.
A robustly associated genetic locus linked to habitual short sleep duration in large-scale multi-ancestry GWAS cohorts.
A genome-wide significant risk locus identified in cross-biobank analyses for habitual short sleep duration.
This variant in the CLOCK gene is associated with variations in circadian rhythm, chrononutrition, and metabolic parameters in adolescents.
Polymorphism in the CLOCK gene linked to sleep disturbances and metabolic health markers in adolescent populations.