rs1049331
Variant in the FTH1 gene (Ferritin Heavy Chain 1)
rs1049331 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FTH1 gene, involved in iron storage / ferroptosis protection. 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 rs1049331 variant?
rs1049331 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the FTH1 (Ferritin Heavy Chain 1) gene. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. FTH1 encodes ferritin heavy chain, which stores iron safely in ferritin and provides protection against iron-mediated oxidative damage.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the FTH1 gene, which is involved in the iron storage / ferroptosis protection pathway. Genes within the Oxidative Stress 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.
rs1049331 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Serum ferritin is markedly elevated in COVID-19 and remains elevated in Long COVID; it reflects systemic inflammation and macrophage activation syndrome, with FTH1 variants affecting iron storage capacity.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: FTH1
rs1049331 is one of 1 known variant in the FTH1 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View FTH1 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs1049331
Research into FTH1 variants including rs1049331 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 FTH1 and the rs1049331 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs1049331 variant in the FTH1 gene?
rs1049331 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the FTH1 (Ferritin Heavy Chain 1) gene, which is involved in iron storage / ferroptosis protection. FTH1 encodes ferritin heavy chain, which stores iron safely in ferritin and provides protection against iron-mediated oxidative damage.
How may the rs1049331 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Serum ferritin is markedly elevated in COVID-19 and remains elevated in Long COVID; it reflects systemic inflammation and macrophage activation syndrome, with FTH1 variants affecting iron storage capacity.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs1049331 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 rs1049331 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 FTH1 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Medicine
- [3]NEJM