S100B Gene
S100 Calcium Binding Protein B (S100B) is a gene involved in astrocyte/microglial activation biomarker that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in S100B 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 S100B gene?
S100B encodes s100 calcium binding protein b, a protein involved in astrocyte/microglial activation biomarker. It belongs to the Neurological category and is part of the Neurological & Cognitive Function biological cluster. S100B encodes an astrocyte-derived calcium-binding protein with diverse intracellular and extracellular functions; elevated serum levels indicate brain injury or astrocyte activation.
Biological role and pathway
S100B is involved in the astrocyte/microglial activation biomarker pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Neurological & Cognitive Function 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.
S100B and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Serum S100B is elevated in COVID-19 patients with neurological involvement and may persist in Long COVID; S100B variants may affect astrocyte activation levels and neuroinflammatory signaling.
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 S100B gene have been studied in relation to neurological and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs9722— S100B variant
Conditions studied in relation to S100B
Research into S100B variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that S100B 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 S100B and related genes in the neurological & cognitive function 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 & Cognitive Function pathway
S100B 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 S100B gene and what does it do?
S100B (S100 Calcium Binding Protein B) is involved in astrocyte/microglial activation biomarker. S100B encodes an astrocyte-derived calcium-binding protein with diverse intracellular and extracellular functions; elevated serum levels indicate brain injury or astrocyte activation.
How may S100B gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Serum S100B is elevated in COVID-19 patients with neurological involvement and may persist in Long COVID; S100B variants may affect astrocyte activation levels and neuroinflammatory signaling.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my S100B 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 S100B 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 S100B. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Cell