rs4444903
Variant in the EGF gene (Epidermal Growth Factor)
rs4444903 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the EGF gene, involved in epithelial repair and proliferation. 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 rs4444903 variant?
rs4444903 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) gene. It belongs to the Vascular category and is part of the Coagulation & Microcirculation biological cluster. EGF encodes epidermal growth factor, a key regulator of epithelial cell proliferation and repair in skin, gut, and respiratory tissues.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the EGF gene, which is involved in the epithelial repair and proliferation pathway. Genes within the Coagulation & Microcirculation 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.
rs4444903 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
EGF-mediated tissue repair at mucosal surfaces may be relevant to recovery from COVID-19-induced epithelial damage in Long COVID patients.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: EGF
rs4444903 is one of 2 known variants in the EGF gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View EGF gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs4444903
Research into EGF variants including rs4444903 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 EGF and the rs4444903 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 EGF gene
The following variants in EGF are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs4444903 variant in the EGF gene?
rs4444903 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) gene, which is involved in epithelial repair and proliferation. EGF encodes epidermal growth factor, a key regulator of epithelial cell proliferation and repair in skin, gut, and respiratory tissues.
How may the rs4444903 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
EGF-mediated tissue repair at mucosal surfaces may be relevant to recovery from COVID-19-induced epithelial damage in Long COVID patients.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs4444903 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 rs4444903 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 EGF and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32734001
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation