FBN1 Gene

Fibrillin 1 (FBN1) is a gene involved in extracellular matrix / elastic fiber assembly that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in FBN1 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 FBN1 gene?

FBN1 encodes fibrillin 1, a protein involved in extracellular matrix / elastic fiber assembly. It belongs to the Connective Tissue category and is part of the Coagulation & Microcirculation biological cluster. FBN1 encodes fibrillin-1, the major component of microfibrils in the extracellular matrix that provides mechanical support to elastic tissues.

Biological role and pathway

FBN1 is involved in the extracellular matrix / elastic fiber assembly pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Coagulation & Microcirculation 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.

FBN1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

FBN1 mutations cause Marfan syndrome with cardiovascular and connective tissue complications; FBN1 variants may contribute to connective tissue fragility and dysautonomia 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 FBN1 gene have been studied in relation to connective tissue and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to FBN1

Research into FBN1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that FBN1 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 FBN1 and related genes in the coagulation & microcirculation 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 Coagulation & Microcirculation pathway

FBN1 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 FBN1 gene and what does it do?

FBN1 (Fibrillin 1) is involved in extracellular matrix / elastic fiber assembly. FBN1 encodes fibrillin-1, the major component of microfibrils in the extracellular matrix that provides mechanical support to elastic tissues.

How may FBN1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

FBN1 mutations cause Marfan syndrome with cardiovascular and connective tissue complications; FBN1 variants may contribute to connective tissue fragility and dysautonomia in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my FBN1 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 FBN1 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for FBN1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32966261
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]AJHG