rs1358948

Variant in the MAPK14 gene (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 (p38-alpha))

rs1358948 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MAPK14 gene, involved in p38 MAPK stress and inflammatory signaling. 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 rs1358948 variant?

rs1358948 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the MAPK14 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 (p38-alpha)) gene. It belongs to the Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. MAPK14 encodes p38α MAP kinase, a central stress-activated kinase that drives inflammatory cytokine production in response to various stimuli.

Biological role and pathway

This variant sits within the MAPK14 gene, which is involved in the p38 MAPK stress and inflammatory signaling pathway. Genes within the Immune System & Inflammation 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.

rs1358948 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

p38 MAPK is activated by inflammatory cytokines and stress; variants may affect the magnitude of p38-driven inflammatory cytokine production and stress responses in Long COVID.

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

Parent gene: MAPK14

rs1358948 is one of 1 known variant in the MAPK14 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.

View MAPK14 gene page →

Conditions studied in relation to rs1358948

Research into MAPK14 variants including rs1358948 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 MAPK14 and the rs1358948 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 MAPK14 gene

The following variants in MAPK14 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rs1358948 variant in the MAPK14 gene?

rs1358948 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the MAPK14 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 (p38-alpha)) gene, which is involved in p38 MAPK stress and inflammatory signaling. MAPK14 encodes p38α MAP kinase, a central stress-activated kinase that drives inflammatory cytokine production in response to various stimuli.

How may the rs1358948 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

p38 MAPK is activated by inflammatory cytokines and stress; variants may affect the magnitude of p38-driven inflammatory cytokine production and stress responses in Long COVID.

Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs1358948 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 rs1358948 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 MAPK14 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32296168
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Cell