NR1H4 Gene
Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1 Group H Member 4 (FXR) (NR1H4) is a gene involved in bile acid sensing / gut homeostasis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in NR1H4 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 NR1H4 gene?
NR1H4 encodes nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group h member 4 (fxr), a protein involved in bile acid sensing / gut homeostasis. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Metabolic Regulation biological cluster. NR1H4 encodes FXR (farnesoid X receptor), a nuclear receptor for bile acids that regulates bile acid synthesis, lipid metabolism, and gut barrier function.
Biological role and pathway
NR1H4 is involved in the bile acid sensing / gut homeostasis pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Metabolic Regulation 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.
NR1H4 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
FXR regulates gut bile acid homeostasis and intestinal barrier integrity; FXR variants may affect gut-liver axis function and contribute to GI symptoms 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 NR1H4 gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs35724— NR1H4 variant
- rs56163822— NR1H4 variant
Conditions studied in relation to NR1H4
Research into NR1H4 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that NR1H4 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 NR1H4 and related genes in the metabolic regulation 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 Metabolic Regulation pathway
NR1H4 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 NR1H4 gene and what does it do?
NR1H4 (Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1 Group H Member 4 (FXR)) is involved in bile acid sensing / gut homeostasis. NR1H4 encodes FXR (farnesoid X receptor), a nuclear receptor for bile acids that regulates bile acid synthesis, lipid metabolism, and gut barrier function.
How may NR1H4 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
FXR regulates gut bile acid homeostasis and intestinal barrier integrity; FXR variants may affect gut-liver axis function and contribute to GI symptoms in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my NR1H4 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 NR1H4 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 NR1H4. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33153018
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Cell Metabolism