VHL Gene
Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor (VHL) is a gene involved in HIF-alpha ubiquitination / oxygen sensing that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in VHL 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 VHL gene?
VHL encodes von hippel-lindau tumor suppressor, a protein involved in HIF-alpha ubiquitination / oxygen sensing. It belongs to the Signaling category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. VHL encodes the substrate recognition component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets HIF-alpha for proteasomal degradation under normoxia.
Biological role and pathway
VHL is involved in the HIF-alpha ubiquitination / oxygen sensing pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM 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.
VHL and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
VHL-mediated HIF degradation is essential for normoxic regulation; variants affecting VHL function may alter baseline HIF activity and the hypoxic response 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 VHL gene have been studied in relation to signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs779805— VHL variant
Conditions studied in relation to VHL
Research into VHL variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that VHL 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 VHL and related genes in the mitochondrial energy production & pem 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 Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM pathway
VHL 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 VHL gene and what does it do?
VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor) is involved in HIF-alpha ubiquitination / oxygen sensing. VHL encodes the substrate recognition component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets HIF-alpha for proteasomal degradation under normoxia.
How may VHL gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
VHL-mediated HIF degradation is essential for normoxic regulation; variants affecting VHL function may alter baseline HIF activity and the hypoxic response in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my VHL 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 VHL 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 VHL. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34316049
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]NEJM