CD36 Gene

What is the CD36 gene?

CD36 encodes cd36 molecule, a protein involved in lipid sensing. It belongs to the Metabolism category and is part of the Mitochondrial & Metabolic biological cluster. CD36 (fatty acid translocase) is a multiligand scavenger receptor that binds long-chain fatty acids, oxLDL, thrombospondin-1, and Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. It mediates fatty acid uptake, foam cell formation, and platelet activation.

Biological role and pathway

CD36 is involved in the lipid sensing pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Mitochondrial & Metabolic cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.

Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the CD36 gene have been studied in relation to metabolism and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

• rs1761667— CD36 variant
• rs3211956— CD36 variant
• rs3211883— CD36 variant

Conditions studied in relation to CD36

Research into CD36 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CD36 causes or treats any condition.

Genetic insights from DNA data

Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include CD36 and related genes in the mitochondrial & metabolic pathway.

The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Related genes in the Mitochondrial & Metabolic pathway

CD36 does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.

Frequently asked questions