WFDC11 rs115511611: What Your Genotype Means
The genetic variant rs115511611 is a single nucleotide polymorphism located within the WFDC11 gene. It has been identified in genome-wide association studies as having a potential statistical association with susceptibility to Parkinson disease.
What each genotype means
Typical genetic risk profile
This genotype represents the common form of the WFDC11 variant. Research indicates this variant is associated with susceptibility to Parkinson disease, but this specific genotype does not carry the risk-associated allele identified in GWAS studies. Please note that Parkinson disease is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by many genetic and environmental factors.
This is the most common genotype observed in most global populations.
Increased susceptibility marker
This genotype includes one copy of the allele associated with susceptibility to Parkinson disease in large-scale genetic studies. Carrying this marker does not mean you will develop the condition, as Parkinson disease risk is determined by a combination of many genetic and lifestyle factors. You should discuss your overall health and family history with a healthcare professional.
This genotype is found at varying frequencies depending on ancestral background, though it is less common than the homozygous major genotype.
Elevated susceptibility marker
This genotype carries two copies of the allele associated with susceptibility to Parkinson disease in published GWAS research. While this variant is linked to the condition, it is only one of many factors that contribute to disease risk, and it is not a diagnostic test. Please consult with a clinician or genetic counselor to understand how this fits into your broader health context.
This genotype is relatively rare in most populations compared to the other possible combinations.
Understanding the Variant rs115511611
The identifier rs115511611 refers to a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human genome. SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation, representing a difference in a single DNA building block, or nucleotide. This particular variant is situated within the WFDC11 gene, which stands for WAP four-disulfide core domain 11. In genomics, researchers track these specific locations to determine if certain variations occur more frequently in individuals with specific health traits or conditions compared to those without them. While rs115511611 is cataloged in genetic databases, it is important to recognize that the presence of a variant does not inherently cause a disease. Instead, it serves as a marker that researchers use to investigate the complex genetic architecture underlying various human traits and health outcomes.
The Role of the WFDC11 Gene
The WFDC11 gene encodes a protein that is part of the WAP-type four-disulfide core domain family. Proteins in this family are characterized by a specific structural motif containing eight cysteine residues that form four disulfide bonds. This structural arrangement is critical for the protein's function, which primarily involves acting as a protease inhibitor. Protease inhibitors are molecules that regulate the activity of enzymes capable of breaking down proteins. By controlling these enzymes, the WFDC11 protein plays a role in various biological processes, including the innate immune response and antibacterial defense mechanisms. While its primary known functions are related to these protective roles, ongoing research continues to explore how variations in this gene might influence other physiological pathways, including those potentially relevant to neurodegenerative processes.
Research and Parkinson Disease Association
The association between rs115511611 and Parkinson disease has been noted in large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies scan the genomes of thousands of individuals to identify statistical correlations between specific genetic markers and health outcomes. The evidence for this specific variant is considered moderate, meaning that while a statistical signal has been detected, it does not imply a direct causative relationship. Parkinson disease is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and age-related factors. Most genetic variants identified through GWAS, including those in or near the WFDC11 gene, typically have small individual effect sizes. This means that the variant contributes only a very small fraction to the overall risk of developing the condition, and it is not a diagnostic tool for predicting whether an individual will develop Parkinson disease.
Population Frequency and Interpretation
There is currently no widely recorded population frequency data for the rs115511611 variant in major public databases. Genetic frequency can vary significantly across different ancestral groups, and the absence of specific data often reflects that the variant may be rare or that it has not been extensively studied in diverse global populations. When interpreting genetic information, it is essential to understand that a statistical association found in one study population may not necessarily replicate in another. Because the evidence for this variant is limited and based on statistical associations rather than clinical diagnostic criteria, it should be viewed as a subject of ongoing scientific inquiry rather than a definitive health indicator. Genetic research is an evolving field, and as more data becomes available, our understanding of how such variants contribute to human health will continue to be refined.
Navigating Genetic Information
If you have received information about your genotype for rs115511611, it is important to approach it with perspective. This variant is a research-grade marker, not a clinical diagnostic test. You cannot use this information to predict your personal health future or to make medical decisions. Because Parkinson disease is complex and involves many genetic and environmental factors, a single SNP provides very little actionable information. If you have concerns about your neurological health or a family history of Parkinson disease, the most appropriate step is to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or a genetic counselor. They can provide context based on your full medical history, family background, and current clinical guidelines. Avoid making changes to your lifestyle or health management based solely on individual genetic markers found in consumer reports.
How common is this variant?
There is no specific population frequency data recorded for this variant in major public databases.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the rs115511611 variant mean I will get Parkinson disease?
No. This variant is only associated with a statistical signal in research studies and is not a diagnostic test. It does not determine whether you will develop the condition.
What is the WFDC11 gene responsible for?
The WFDC11 gene provides instructions for making a protein that acts as a protease inhibitor. It is involved in biological processes like the innate immune response.
Should I be worried about my rs115511611 result?
There is no reason for concern based on this variant alone. It is a common genetic marker used in research, and its individual impact on health is considered very small.
Where can I find more information about my genetic risk for Parkinson disease?
You should speak with a qualified healthcare provider or a genetic counselor. They can help you understand your risk factors based on your family history and clinical symptoms.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/8/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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