PER1 Gene

Period Circadian Regulator 1 (PER1) is a gene involved in circadian clock that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in PER1 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 PER1 gene?

PER1 encodes period circadian regulator 1, a protein involved in circadian clock. It belongs to the Circadian Rhythm category and is part of the Neurological & Sleep biological cluster. PER1 encodes a core component of the circadian clock negative feedback loop, regulating 24-hour rhythms in physiology and behavior including sleep-wake cycles, immune function, and metabolism.

Biological role and pathway

PER1 is involved in the circadian clock pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Neurological & Sleep 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.

PER1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Circadian dysregulation is common in Long COVID and ME/CFS, with disrupted sleep architecture and immune rhythms. PER1 variants affect sleep timing and immune cell cycling, contributing to post-infectious fatigue syndromes.

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 PER1 gene have been studied in relation to circadian rhythm and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to PER1

Research into PER1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that PER1 causes or treats any condition.

Long CovidSleep DisorderCircadian DisruptionChronic Fatigue

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 PER1 and related genes in the neurological & sleep 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 Neurological & Sleep pathway

PER1 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 PER1 gene and what does it do?

PER1 (Period Circadian Regulator 1) is involved in circadian clock. PER1 encodes a core component of the circadian clock negative feedback loop, regulating 24-hour rhythms in physiology and behavior including sleep-wake cycles, immune function, and metabolism.

How may PER1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Circadian dysregulation is common in Long COVID and ME/CFS, with disrupted sleep architecture and immune rhythms. PER1 variants affect sleep timing and immune cell cycling, contributing to post-infectious fatigue syndromes.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my PER1 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 PER1 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 PER1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 31784727
  • [2]Nature Reviews Neuroscience
  • [3]Journal of Biological Rhythms