rs7944926
Variant in the DHCR7 gene (7-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase)
rs7944926 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the DHCR7 gene, involved in vitamin D biosynthesis from cholesterol. 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 rs7944926 variant?
rs7944926 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the DHCR7 (7-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase) gene. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Metabolic Regulation biological cluster. DHCR7 encodes the enzyme that converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (the vitamin D precursor) to cholesterol, competing with vitamin D synthesis from UV exposure.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the DHCR7 gene, which is involved in the vitamin D biosynthesis from cholesterol pathway. Genes within the Metabolic Regulation 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.
rs7944926 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
DHCR7 variants influence the balance between cholesterol and vitamin D synthesis in skin; they are among the key genetic determinants of baseline vitamin D status affecting Long COVID risk.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: DHCR7
rs7944926 is one of 2 known variants in the DHCR7 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View DHCR7 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs7944926
Research into DHCR7 variants including rs7944926 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 DHCR7 and the rs7944926 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 DHCR7 gene
The following variants in DHCR7 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs7944926 variant in the DHCR7 gene?
rs7944926 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the DHCR7 (7-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase) gene, which is involved in vitamin D biosynthesis from cholesterol. DHCR7 encodes the enzyme that converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (the vitamin D precursor) to cholesterol, competing with vitamin D synthesis from UV exposure.
How may the rs7944926 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
DHCR7 variants influence the balance between cholesterol and vitamin D synthesis in skin; they are among the key genetic determinants of baseline vitamin D status affecting Long COVID risk.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs7944926 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 rs7944926 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.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for DHCR7 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33387997
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]American Journal of Clinical Nutrition