Rs601338

rs601338 is found on chromosome 19 in the alpha(1,2)-fucosyltransferase FUT2 gene. The wild-type rs601338(G) encodes the "secretor" (Se) allele, while rs601338(A) encodes the "non-secretor" (se) allele.

A study of 115 Swedish adults concluded that rs601338(A;A) homozygotes have genetic immunity to infection by the Norwalk norovirus, a major (and contagious) cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide among adults. This illness is also known as "cruise ship gastroenteritis."

Being a non-secretor may have other consequences, such as greater susceptibility to infection by influenza viruses and by some types of bacteria. 23andMe discusses these topics.

In some non-Caucasian populations, a different SNP is responsible for non-secretor phenotypes. For example, although the Se allele is absent in Japanese, 15% are non-secretors based on being homozygous for the non-secretor "sej" allele of SNP rs1047781.

http://blog.personalgenomes.org/2012/02/29/invulnerability-to-stomach-flu-is-my-secret-superpower/

http://evidence.personalgenomes.org/FUT2-W154X

Novel association of ABO histo-blood group antigen with soluble ICAM-1: results of a genome-wide association study of 6,578 women.

Common variants of FUT2 are associated with plasma vitamin B12 levels.

Histo-blood group gene polymorphisms as potential genetic modifiers of infection and cystic fibrosis lung disease severity.

Development of a fingerprinting panel using medically relevant polymorphisms.

Potential etiologic and functional implications of genome-wide association loci for human diseases and traits.

Common genetic variation and the control of HIV-1 in humans.

Population based allele frequencies of disease associated polymorphisms in the Personalized Medicine Research Project.

FUT2 nonsecretor status links type 1 diabetes susceptibility and resistance to infection.

Norovirus Resistance