rs2853542
Variant in the TYMS gene (Thymidylate Synthetase)
rs2853542 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TYMS gene, involved in thymidylate synthesis / DNA replication. 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 rs2853542 variant?
rs2853542 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the TYMS (Thymidylate Synthetase) gene. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Methylation & Neurotransmitters biological cluster. TYMS encodes thymidylate synthase, which converts dUMP to dTMP using 5,10-methyleneTHF, linking folate metabolism to DNA synthesis.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the TYMS gene, which is involved in the thymidylate synthesis / DNA replication pathway. Genes within the Methylation & Neurotransmitters 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.
rs2853542 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
TYMS is essential for DNA replication and repair; variants may affect immune cell proliferation and DNA repair capacity in Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: TYMS
rs2853542 is one of 2 known variants in the TYMS gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View TYMS gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs2853542
Research into TYMS variants including rs2853542 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 TYMS and the rs2853542 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 TYMS gene
The following variants in TYMS are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs2853542 variant in the TYMS gene?
rs2853542 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the TYMS (Thymidylate Synthetase) gene, which is involved in thymidylate synthesis / DNA replication. TYMS encodes thymidylate synthase, which converts dUMP to dTMP using 5,10-methyleneTHF, linking folate metabolism to DNA synthesis.
How may the rs2853542 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
TYMS is essential for DNA replication and repair; variants may affect immune cell proliferation and DNA repair capacity in Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs2853542 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 rs2853542 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 TYMS and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Pharmacogenomics