rs4987105
Variant in the ALOX5 gene (Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase)
rs4987105 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ALOX5 gene, involved in leukotriene synthesis. Variants at this position have been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the rs4987105 variant?
rs4987105 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the ALOX5 (Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase) gene. It belongs to the Inflammation category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. ALOX5 (5-LOX) converts arachidonic acid to 5-HPETE and leukotriene A4, initiating leukotriene synthesis for mast cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil inflammatory responses. The promoter VNTR polymorphism affects gene expression levels.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the ALOX5 gene, which is involved in the leukotriene synthesis pathway. Genes within the Immune System & Inflammation 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 — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
rs4987105 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Leukotrienes mediate bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and neutrophil recruitment relevant to Long COVID respiratory symptoms. ALOX5 promoter variants reducing leukotriene production may protect against respiratory inflammation in post-COVID syndrome.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: ALOX5
rs4987105 is one of 3 known variants in the ALOX5 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View ALOX5 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs4987105
Research into ALOX5 variants including rs4987105 has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply causation.
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 ALOX5 and the rs4987105 variant.
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.
Other variants in the ALOX5 gene
The following variants in ALOX5 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs4987105 variant in the ALOX5 gene?
rs4987105 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the ALOX5 (Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase) gene, which is involved in leukotriene synthesis. ALOX5 (5-LOX) converts arachidonic acid to 5-HPETE and leukotriene A4, initiating leukotriene synthesis for mast cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil inflammatory responses. The promoter VNTR polymorphism affects gene expression levels.
How may the rs4987105 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Leukotrienes mediate bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and neutrophil recruitment relevant to Long COVID respiratory symptoms. ALOX5 promoter variants reducing leukotriene production may protect against respiratory inflammation in post-COVID syndrome.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs4987105 variant?
Many consumer DNA tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage genotype common SNPs. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Find out if you carry the rs4987105 variant
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 ALOX5 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 24768742
- [2]Nature Reviews Immunology
- [3]Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology