TFPI Gene

Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) is a gene involved in coagulation initiation inhibition that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in TFPI 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 TFPI gene?

TFPI encodes tissue factor pathway inhibitor, a protein involved in coagulation initiation inhibition. It belongs to the Coagulation category and is part of the Coagulation & Vascular biological cluster. TFPI is the primary physiological inhibitor of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, inhibiting factor Xa and the TF-FVIIa complex. It is produced by endothelial cells and circulates bound to lipoproteins.

Biological role and pathway

TFPI is involved in the coagulation initiation inhibition pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Coagulation & Vascular 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.

TFPI and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

TFPI controls coagulation initiation through TF-FVIIa. In COVID-19, TF expression is elevated and TFPI may be insufficient to prevent fibrin deposition. TFPI variants affecting its anticoagulant potency may influence microthrombi formation relevant to Long COVID vascular complications.

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

Conditions studied in relation to TFPI

Research into TFPI variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that TFPI 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 TFPI and related genes in the coagulation & vascular 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 & Vascular pathway

TFPI 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 TFPI gene and what does it do?

TFPI (Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor) is involved in coagulation initiation inhibition. TFPI is the primary physiological inhibitor of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, inhibiting factor Xa and the TF-FVIIa complex. It is produced by endothelial cells and circulates bound to lipoproteins.

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

TFPI controls coagulation initiation through TF-FVIIa. In COVID-19, TF expression is elevated and TFPI may be insufficient to prevent fibrin deposition. TFPI variants affecting its anticoagulant potency may influence microthrombi formation relevant to Long COVID vascular complications.

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

  • [1]PMID: 27516441
  • [2]Blood
  • [3]Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology