rs334
Variant in the HBB gene (Hemoglobin Subunit Beta)
rs334 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the HBB gene, involved in oxygen transport / hemoglobin. 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 rs334 variant?
rs334 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the HBB (Hemoglobin Subunit Beta) gene. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. HBB encodes beta-globin, a component of adult hemoglobin A; sickle cell mutation (Glu6Val) and other variants affect hemoglobin function.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the HBB gene, which is involved in the oxygen transport / hemoglobin 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.
rs334 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
HBB variants including thalassemia and sickle cell trait may affect the course of COVID-19 and Long COVID; hemoglobin variants influence oxygen transport and red cell susceptibility to oxidative damage.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: HBB
rs334 is one of 2 known variants in the HBB gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View HBB gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs334
Research into HBB variants including rs334 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 HBB and the rs334 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 HBB gene
The following variants in HBB are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs334 variant in the HBB gene?
rs334 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the HBB (Hemoglobin Subunit Beta) gene, which is involved in oxygen transport / hemoglobin. HBB encodes beta-globin, a component of adult hemoglobin A; sickle cell mutation (Glu6Val) and other variants affect hemoglobin function.
How may the rs334 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
HBB variants including thalassemia and sickle cell trait may affect the course of COVID-19 and Long COVID; hemoglobin variants influence oxygen transport and red cell susceptibility to oxidative damage.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs334 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 rs334 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 HBB and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Blood