FOLR1 Gene
Folate Receptor Alpha (FOLR1) is a gene involved in folate cellular uptake that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in FOLR1 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 FOLR1 gene?
FOLR1 encodes folate receptor alpha, a protein involved in folate cellular uptake. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Methylation & Neurotransmitters biological cluster. FOLR1 encodes folate receptor alpha, the high-affinity folate receptor on epithelial cells and choroid plexus that mediates folate cellular uptake.
Biological role and pathway
FOLR1 is involved in the folate cellular uptake pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Methylation & Neurotransmitters 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.
FOLR1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
FOLR1 autoantibodies are found in some Long COVID patients, potentially impairing cerebral folate transport and contributing to neurological and cognitive symptoms.
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 FOLR1 gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs2071010— FOLR1 variant
Conditions studied in relation to FOLR1
Research into FOLR1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that FOLR1 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 FOLR1 and related genes in the methylation & neurotransmitters 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 Methylation & Neurotransmitters pathway
FOLR1 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 FOLR1 gene and what does it do?
FOLR1 (Folate Receptor Alpha) is involved in folate cellular uptake. FOLR1 encodes folate receptor alpha, the high-affinity folate receptor on epithelial cells and choroid plexus that mediates folate cellular uptake.
How may FOLR1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
FOLR1 autoantibodies are found in some Long COVID patients, potentially impairing cerebral folate transport and contributing to neurological and cognitive symptoms.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my FOLR1 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 FOLR1 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 FOLR1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Reviews Neurology
- [3]Journal of Neuroinflammation