NPY Gene

What is the NPY gene?

NPY encodes neuropeptide y, a protein involved in appetite regulation / sympathetic nervous system. It belongs to the Neuroendocrine category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. NPY encodes neuropeptide Y, a 36-amino acid peptide widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system that regulates appetite, stress response, and sympathetic activity.

Biological role and pathway

NPY is involved in the appetite regulation / sympathetic nervous system pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Autonomic Nervous System 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 NPY gene have been studied in relation to neuroendocrine and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

• rs16147— NPY variant
• rs5574— NPY variant

Conditions studied in relation to NPY

Research into NPY variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that NPY 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 NPY and related genes in the autonomic nervous system 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 Autonomic Nervous System pathway

NPY 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