rs1617640
Variant in the EPO gene (Erythropoietin)
rs1617640 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the EPO gene, involved in erythropoiesis / hypoxia response. 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 rs1617640 variant?
rs1617640 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the EPO (Erythropoietin) gene. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. EPO encodes erythropoietin, the kidney-produced hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the EPO gene, which is involved in the erythropoiesis / hypoxia response pathway. 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 — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
rs1617640 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Erythropoietin response to hypoxia is critical; COVID-19 can impair EPO production (cytokine-mediated), and EPO variants may affect the erythropoietic recovery in Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: EPO
rs1617640 is one of 2 known variants in the EPO gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View EPO gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs1617640
Research into EPO variants including rs1617640 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 EPO and the rs1617640 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 EPO gene
The following variants in EPO are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs1617640 variant in the EPO gene?
rs1617640 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the EPO (Erythropoietin) gene, which is involved in erythropoiesis / hypoxia response. EPO encodes erythropoietin, the kidney-produced hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
How may the rs1617640 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Erythropoietin response to hypoxia is critical; COVID-19 can impair EPO production (cytokine-mediated), and EPO variants may affect the erythropoietic recovery in Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs1617640 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 rs1617640 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 EPO and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34316049
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]NEJM