ESR1 Gene
Estrogen Receptor 1 (ERalpha) (ESR1) is a gene involved in estrogen nuclear receptor signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ESR1 may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the ESR1 gene?
ESR1 encodes estrogen receptor 1 (eralpha), a protein involved in estrogen nuclear receptor signaling. It belongs to the Neuroendocrine category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. ESR1 encodes estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), the major nuclear receptor mediating estrogen effects on gene expression, immune function, and cardiovascular biology.
Biological role and pathway
ESR1 is involved in the estrogen nuclear receptor signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Immune System & Inflammation 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.
ESR1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Estrogen receptor signaling modulates immune responses and cardiovascular function; ESR1 variants may explain sex-based differences in Long COVID susceptibility and severity.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Known genetic variants
The following variants (SNPs) in the ESR1 gene have been studied in relation to neuroendocrine and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to ESR1
Research into ESR1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ESR1 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 ESR1 and related genes in the immune system & inflammation 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 Immune System & Inflammation pathway
ESR1 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
What is the ESR1 gene and what does it do?
ESR1 (Estrogen Receptor 1 (ERalpha)) is involved in estrogen nuclear receptor signaling. ESR1 encodes estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), the major nuclear receptor mediating estrogen effects on gene expression, immune function, and cardiovascular biology.
How may ESR1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Estrogen receptor signaling modulates immune responses and cardiovascular function; ESR1 variants may explain sex-based differences in Long COVID susceptibility and severity.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ESR1 gene?
Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Explore your ESR1 genetic insights
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for ESR1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Nature Medicine