FAS Gene
Fas Cell Surface Death Receptor (CD95/APO-1) (FAS) is a gene involved in death receptor / apoptosis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in FAS 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 FAS gene?
FAS encodes fas cell surface death receptor (cd95/apo-1), a protein involved in death receptor / apoptosis. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. FAS encodes CD95/APO-1, a death receptor for Fas ligand that mediates apoptosis in lymphocytes and other cell types.
Biological role and pathway
FAS is involved in the death receptor / apoptosis 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.
FAS and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Fas-mediated apoptosis is essential for immune cell homeostasis; variants may affect lymphocyte survival and the resolution of immune responses in Long COVID.
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 FAS gene have been studied in relation to immune signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to FAS
Research into FAS variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that FAS 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 FAS 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
FAS 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 FAS gene and what does it do?
FAS (Fas Cell Surface Death Receptor (CD95/APO-1)) is involved in death receptor / apoptosis. FAS encodes CD95/APO-1, a death receptor for Fas ligand that mediates apoptosis in lymphocytes and other cell types.
How may FAS gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Fas-mediated apoptosis is essential for immune cell homeostasis; variants may affect lymphocyte survival and the resolution of immune responses in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my FAS 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 FAS 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.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for FAS. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Immunology
- [3]NEJM