CRY1 Gene

What is the CRY1 gene?

CRY1 encodes cryptochrome circadian regulator 1, a protein involved in circadian clock. It belongs to the Circadian Rhythm category and is part of the Neurological & Sleep biological cluster. CRY1 encodes a flavoprotein that functions as a transcriptional repressor in the circadian negative feedback loop. CRY1 gain-of-function variants are a cause of familial delayed sleep phase disorder.

Biological role and pathway

CRY1 is involved in the circadian clock pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Neurological & Sleep 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 CRY1 gene have been studied in relation to circadian rhythm and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

• rs2287161— CRY1 variant
• rs8192440— CRY1 variant
• rs3809236— CRY1 variant

Conditions studied in relation to CRY1

Research into CRY1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CRY1 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 CRY1 and related genes in the neurological & sleep 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 Neurological & Sleep pathway

CRY1 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