PTAFR Gene
Platelet Activating Factor Receptor (PTAFR) is a gene involved in platelet activating factor / inflammation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in PTAFR 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 PTAFR gene?
PTAFR encodes platelet activating factor receptor, a protein involved in platelet activating factor / inflammation. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Coagulation & Microcirculation biological cluster. PTAFR encodes the receptor for platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent inflammatory mediator that activates platelets, neutrophils, and endothelial cells.
Biological role and pathway
PTAFR is involved in the platelet activating factor / inflammation 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.
PTAFR and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
PAF-receptor activation contributes to platelet-endothelial interactions and inflammatory signaling in COVID-19; variants may affect platelet activation and endothelial inflammation 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 PTAFR gene have been studied in relation to immune signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs156397— PTAFR variant
Conditions studied in relation to PTAFR
Research into PTAFR variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that PTAFR 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 PTAFR 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
PTAFR 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 PTAFR gene and what does it do?
PTAFR (Platelet Activating Factor Receptor) is involved in platelet activating factor / inflammation. PTAFR encodes the receptor for platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent inflammatory mediator that activates platelets, neutrophils, and endothelial cells.
How may PTAFR gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
PAF-receptor activation contributes to platelet-endothelial interactions and inflammatory signaling in COVID-19; variants may affect platelet activation and endothelial inflammation in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my PTAFR 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 PTAFR 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 PTAFR. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32966261
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Biological Chemistry