rs448720

Variant in the FTL gene (Ferritin Light Chain)

rs448720 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FTL gene, involved in iron storage. 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 rs448720 variant?

rs448720 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the FTL (Ferritin Light Chain) gene. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. FTL encodes ferritin light chain, the other component of the ferritin iron storage complex.

Biological role and pathway

This variant sits within the FTL gene, which is involved in the iron storage 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.

rs448720 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Ferritin (heavy + light chain) is a key marker of inflammation and iron dysregulation in Long COVID; FTL variants may affect iron storage capacity and hyperferritinemia in Long COVID.

This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.

Parent gene: FTL

rs448720 is one of 1 known variant in the FTL gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.

View FTL gene page →

Conditions studied in relation to rs448720

Research into FTL variants including rs448720 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 FTL and the rs448720 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 rs448720 variant in the FTL gene?

rs448720 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the FTL (Ferritin Light Chain) gene, which is involved in iron storage. FTL encodes ferritin light chain, the other component of the ferritin iron storage complex.

How may the rs448720 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Ferritin (heavy + light chain) is a key marker of inflammation and iron dysregulation in Long COVID; FTL variants may affect iron storage capacity and hyperferritinemia in Long COVID.

Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs448720 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 rs448720 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for FTL and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32296168
  • [2]Nature Medicine
  • [3]Blood