rs4537731
Variant in the TPH1 gene (Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1)
rs4537731 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TPH1 gene, involved in peripheral serotonin biosynthesis. 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 rs4537731 variant?
rs4537731 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the TPH1 (Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1) gene. It belongs to the Neurotransmitter category and is part of the Histamine & MCAS biological cluster. TPH1 encodes tryptophan hydroxylase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin synthesis in enterochromaffin cells of the gut.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the TPH1 gene, which is involved in the peripheral serotonin biosynthesis pathway. Genes within the Histamine & MCAS 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.
rs4537731 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
TPH1 in gut enterochromaffin cells produces 90% of body serotonin; SLC6A19-mediated tryptophan deficiency in Long COVID can impair TPH1-driven serotonin production, contributing to gut dysmotility and serotonin hypothesis of Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: TPH1
rs4537731 is one of 2 known variants in the TPH1 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View TPH1 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs4537731
Research into TPH1 variants including rs4537731 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 TPH1 and the rs4537731 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 TPH1 gene
The following variants in TPH1 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs4537731 variant in the TPH1 gene?
rs4537731 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the TPH1 (Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1) gene, which is involved in peripheral serotonin biosynthesis. TPH1 encodes tryptophan hydroxylase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin synthesis in enterochromaffin cells of the gut.
How may the rs4537731 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
TPH1 in gut enterochromaffin cells produces 90% of body serotonin; SLC6A19-mediated tryptophan deficiency in Long COVID can impair TPH1-driven serotonin production, contributing to gut dysmotility and serotonin hypothesis of Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs4537731 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 rs4537731 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 TPH1 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Cell
- [3]Nature