rs36228960
Variant in the PINK1 gene (PTEN Induced Kinase 1)
rs36228960 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PINK1 gene, involved in mitophagy regulation. 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 rs36228960 variant?
rs36228960 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the PINK1 (PTEN Induced Kinase 1) gene. It belongs to the Mitochondrial category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. PINK1 encodes a mitochondrial kinase that triggers mitophagy by activating Parkin when mitochondria are dysfunctional.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the PINK1 gene, which is involved in the mitophagy regulation 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.
rs36228960 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy may be impaired in Long COVID, allowing accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and amplifying cellular stress.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: PINK1
rs36228960 is one of 2 known variants in the PINK1 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View PINK1 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs36228960
Research into PINK1 variants including rs36228960 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 PINK1 and the rs36228960 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 PINK1 gene
The following variants in PINK1 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs36228960 variant in the PINK1 gene?
rs36228960 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the PINK1 (PTEN Induced Kinase 1) gene, which is involved in mitophagy regulation. PINK1 encodes a mitochondrial kinase that triggers mitophagy by activating Parkin when mitochondria are dysfunctional.
How may the rs36228960 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy may be impaired in Long COVID, allowing accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and amplifying cellular stress.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs36228960 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 rs36228960 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 PINK1 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32735956
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation