What does this gene do? The IRF4 gene encodes for a protein that is part of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcription factors, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4). The IRFs are vital in regulation of signalling cells, interferons in response to a viral infection. There is a strong association with the gene and specific pigmentation. This variant is linked to sensitivity of s ...[Read More]
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4)
Filaggrin (FLG)
What does this gene do? The FLG gene provides instructions for making a large protein called profilaggrin. This protein is found in the cells in the outermost layer of the skin and plays a key role in maintaining this effective skin barrier. Profilaggrin is cleaved to produce many copies called filaggrin protein, these are important in the structure of the epidermis. Hydration of the skin is maint ...[Read More]
TRANSIENT RECEPTOR POTENTIAL CATION CHANNEL SUBFAMILY M MEMBER 6
What does this gene do? Magnesium is the fourth most abundant essential mineral found in the body. It supports the function of cells, tissues and organs by acting as a co-factor for 300 enzymes in the body. This means that it contributes to all 300 of these metabolic processes. These enzymes play an essential role in: Developing and maintaining the health of bones and teeth The metabolism of your ...[Read More]
GROUP SPECIFIC COMPONENT (GC)
What does this gene do? Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. The human body has evolved so that it is able to make enough vitamin D from cholesterol when the skin is exposed to sufficient amounts of sunlight. But factors in our modern lifestyles such as increased: indoor living, seasons, where we live, smog/pollution, clothing and sunscreen use has influenced the biosynthesis of vitamin D. With all ...[Read More]
GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE 1 GENE (GPX1)
What does this gene do? This gene codes for a member of the glutathione peroxidase family, the enzyme, Glutathione Peroxidase 1 (GPX1). This enzyme is one of the most important antioxidant selenium-dependent enzymes in humans. GPX1 enzyme is able to protect against stress that would damage cell membranes from oxygen, DNA and proteins. As with other detox enzymes it’s job is to turn harmful p ...[Read More]
GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE-M GENE (GSTM1)
What does this gene do? Glutathione S-Transferase-M gene is part of, the Glutathione S-Transferases (GST) family. This family of enzymes plays a major role in detoxification, by making harmful molecules less potent transforming them into water-soluble particles. The are bioactive compounds found in cruciferous vegetables, known as isothiocyanates (ITCs), these are used by the GST enzymes. These pl ...[Read More]
CATALASE GENE (CAT)
What does this gene do? The CAT gene provides instruction for making subunits of an enzyme, catalase. Catalase is active in cell and tissues throughout the body. It is a powerful enzyme that protects the body from cell damage. The enzyme protects our bodies, like cars from “rusting”, it protects our bodies from harmful oxygen particles that lead to premature aging or even increased risk of cancer. ...[Read More]
APOLIPOPROTEIN A2 GENE (APOA2)
What does this gene do? The apolipoprotein A 2 gene codes for the apolipoprotein A-II, which is the second most abundant binding protein found in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) AKA the“good” cholesterol. The role of APOA2 is complex and has an undefined role in the metabolism of cholesterol, overweight and obesity, insulin resistance, susceptibility to arterial wall thickening and regulation ...[Read More]
TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA GENE (TNFA)
What does this gene do? TNF-A gene encodes for TNF-α, which belongs the the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. This gene plays an important role in our immune and inflammatory system. TNF-A is involved in the control of a diverse number of biological processes such as breaking down fat. A genetic variant in TNF-A gene, can influence how the protein TNF-α behaves. Increased levels of TNF-α, i ...[Read More]
INTERLEUKIN-6 GENE (IL-6)
What does this gene do? IL-6 gene plays an important role in inflammation. It is a major regulator in the production of specific proteins, known as acute phase proteins, by the liver when the body is experiencing some sort of inflammation. Fat cells are a storage place for IL-6, meaning that you are more likely to have higher levels or chronic levels of IL-6 if you are overweight or obese. Higher ...[Read More]