rs1788822
Variant in the NPC1 gene (NPC Intracellular Cholesterol Transporter 1)
rs1788822 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the NPC1 gene, involved in lysosomal cholesterol export. 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 rs1788822 variant?
rs1788822 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the NPC1 (NPC Intracellular Cholesterol Transporter 1) gene. It belongs to the Metabolism category and is part of the Mitochondrial & Metabolic biological cluster. NPC1 is the lysosomal membrane protein that exports cholesterol from lysosomes to the ER and plasma membrane. Loss-of-function causes Niemann-Pick disease type C with cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes. NPC1 is also the Ebola virus receptor.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the NPC1 gene, which is involved in the lysosomal cholesterol export pathway. Genes within the Mitochondrial & Metabolic 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.
rs1788822 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Lysosomal cholesterol accumulation impairs autophagy and endosomal signaling. SARS-CoV-2 enters through endolysosomes, and NPC1 affects cholesterol availability in viral entry compartments. NPC1 variants may modulate viral replication efficiency and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: NPC1
rs1788822 is one of 3 known variants in the NPC1 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View NPC1 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs1788822
Research into NPC1 variants including rs1788822 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 NPC1 and the rs1788822 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 NPC1 gene
The following variants in NPC1 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs1788822 variant in the NPC1 gene?
rs1788822 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the NPC1 (NPC Intracellular Cholesterol Transporter 1) gene, which is involved in lysosomal cholesterol export. NPC1 is the lysosomal membrane protein that exports cholesterol from lysosomes to the ER and plasma membrane. Loss-of-function causes Niemann-Pick disease type C with cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes. NPC1 is also the Ebola virus receptor.
How may the rs1788822 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Lysosomal cholesterol accumulation impairs autophagy and endosomal signaling. SARS-CoV-2 enters through endolysosomes, and NPC1 affects cholesterol availability in viral entry compartments. NPC1 variants may modulate viral replication efficiency and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs1788822 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 rs1788822 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 NPC1 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 30879958
- [2]Nature
- [3]Cell Host & Microbe