Is Crohn's Disease Genetic?
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.
Affects ~1 in 300 people.
Genetic Factors Behind Crohn's Disease
Research has identified multiple genetic variants that influence a person's susceptibility to Crohn's Disease. While no single gene determines whether someone will develop this condition, specific variants can increase or decrease risk. Key genes studied in relation to Crohn's Disease include:
NOD2ATG16L1IL23RIRGMEach of these genes plays a distinct role in the biological pathways related to Crohn's Disease. Variants in these genes have been identified through large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and replicated across multiple populations.
How GenomeInsight Analyzes Your Risk
GenomeInsight examines your raw DNA data from services like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or whole-genome sequencing (VCF files) to identify genetic variants associated with Crohn's Disease. The analysis is performed entirely in your browser, meaning your genetic data never leaves your device.
For each relevant variant, GenomeInsight reports your genotype, the associated risk allele, the odds ratio from published research, and your overall risk profile compared to the general population. Results are presented with easy-to-understand risk visualizations and percentile rankings.
Genetic risk is only one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle, diet, environment, and family history all contribute to overall risk. GenomeInsight's analysis is for informational and educational purposes and is not a medical diagnosis.
Understanding Your Crohn's Disease Results
After uploading your DNA file, you will receive a detailed health risk report covering 52 conditions, including Crohn's Disease. For each condition, GenomeInsight analyzes multiple SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and calculates a combined risk assessment.
Your results will show whether you carry risk-increasing or protective alleles in genes like NOD2, ATG16L1, IL23R, and IRGM. Risk levels range from "Below Average" to "Significantly Increased," with population percentile comparisons to contextualize your results.
Explore Related Conditions
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It requires lifelong insulin therapy and careful blood sugar management.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily attacks the joints, causing painful swelling, stiffness, and progressive joint destruction. It can also affect other organs.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms include diarrhea, bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine lining. It can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and a wide range of symptoms.
See how your genetics relate to Crohn's Disease - upload your data for a personalized analysis.
Your data never leaves your browser.
Discover Your Crohn's Disease Risk Profile
Upload your 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or VCF file for a free, privacy-first genetic analysis covering Crohn's Disease and 51 other health conditions.
Upload Your DNA Data