CRY1 rs11605924: Understanding Circadian and Metabolic Associations
The rs11605924 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism located within the CRY1 gene, which encodes a core component of the human circadian clock. Research has investigated this variant for potential associations with sleep-wake timing and markers of glycemic control, such as insulin resistance.
What each genotype means
Typical circadian timing
You carry two copies of the common C allele. Research indicates that this genotype is associated with baseline circadian period lengths and typical sleep-wake timing. There is no observed statistical association between this genotype and increased sleep onset latency or delayed sleep phase traits.
Carried by approximately 74% of individuals globally, making it the most common genotype across most populations.
Modestly delayed sleep tendency
You carry one copy of the T allele near the CRY1 gene. Limited observational studies suggest this allele may be weakly associated with slightly increased sleep latency or evening chronotype tendencies, though the effect is modest and non-diagnostic. Daily environmental factors, such as light exposure and consistent routines, play a major role in sleep timing.
Carried by roughly 24% of people globally, with minor allele frequencies hovering around 14%.
Potential evening preference
You carry two copies of the minor T allele. While some genetic studies investigate this region for links to delayed sleep-wake patterns or longer sleep latency, evidence remains preliminary and inconclusive. This genotype is not a medical diagnosis for delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, and overall sleep timing is heavily influenced by behavioral and environmental cues.
Carried by approximately 2% of individuals worldwide, reflecting the ~14% minor allele frequency.
What is rs11605924 and Where is it Located?
The rs11605924 variant is a specific genetic change located within the CRY1 gene. In genomics, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) like rs11605924 represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence. The CRY1 gene provides instructions for producing the cryptochrome 1 protein, which is essential for maintaining the body's internal 24-hour clock, or circadian rhythm. This gene is part of a complex feedback loop that regulates the timing of various physiological processes, including sleep, hormone release, and metabolism. Because rs11605924 is situated within this critical regulatory gene, researchers study it to understand how minor variations in DNA might influence the precision of our internal biological clocks and, by extension, how our bodies manage energy and rest.
The Role of CRY1 in Circadian Rhythms
The CRY1 protein acts as a transcriptional repressor, meaning it helps turn off the expression of certain genes at specific times of the day. By inhibiting the activity of proteins like CLOCK and BMAL1, CRY1 ensures that the circadian cycle progresses in a rhythmic, orderly fashion. When the function of CRY1 is altered—such as through specific gain-of-function mutations—it can lead to a lengthening of the circadian period. This shift often manifests as a preference for later sleep and wake times, a condition known as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD). While rs11605924 is a distinct variant, its presence in the CRY1 gene places it in a functional context where even subtle changes in protein expression or regulation could theoretically influence the timing of the sleep-wake cycle and the synchronization of metabolic processes.
Research Associations and Evidence Strength
The evidence linking rs11605924 to specific health outcomes is currently considered limited and mixed. Some studies have explored associations between this variant and glycemic parameters, including insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes research. For instance, some observational data have suggested that carriers of certain alleles might show differences in HOMA-IR scores, a common measure of insulin resistance. However, these findings are often population-specific and have not been consistently replicated across all ethnic groups. It is important to note that while some circadian gene variants are strongly linked to sleep disorders, the specific impact of rs11605924 on human health remains an area of active investigation. Current research does not establish a direct causal link between this variant and clinical disease, and findings should be interpreted as statistical associations rather than diagnostic indicators.
What You Can and Cannot Do With This Information
Genetic information regarding variants like rs11605924 is primarily for educational and research purposes. You cannot use this information to diagnose yourself with a sleep disorder, diabetes, or any other medical condition. If you are concerned about your sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep at a conventional time or persistent daytime fatigue, you should consult a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist. Similarly, if you have questions about your metabolic health, blood sugar levels, or insulin resistance, discuss these concerns with your primary care physician. Genetic testing results should never be used to alter medication dosages or treatment plans without direct supervision from a qualified clinician or pharmacist. Understanding your genetic predispositions can be a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, but it is not a substitute for clinical evaluation and professional medical advice.
How common is this variant?
The frequency of the rs11605924 minor allele varies significantly across different ancestral populations, with reported frequencies ranging from 0% to approximately 4% in some studied groups.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs11605924 a cause of diabetes?
No, rs11605924 is not considered a direct cause of diabetes. While some studies have observed statistical associations between this variant and markers like insulin resistance, these findings are preliminary and do not establish a causal relationship.
Does this variant mean I have a sleep disorder?
Having a specific genotype for rs11605924 does not mean you have a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are complex conditions influenced by many genetic and environmental factors, and a genetic variant alone is not a diagnosis.
Should I change my diet based on this SNP?
No, you should not change your diet or lifestyle based on this SNP. Always consult with a registered dietitian or your doctor before making significant changes to your health regimen.
Where can I find more information on CRY1 variants?
You can find reliable information on genetic variants through resources like the NIH's ClinVar, the GWAS Catalog, and MedlinePlus Genetics. These databases provide peer-reviewed data on the clinical significance of various genetic markers.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/23/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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This splice donor mutation (c.1657+1G>A) causes exon 11 skipping, leading to an overactive repressor complex and familial delayed sleep phase disorder.
Variant in the CRY1 gene, which encodes a core component of the circadian clock, associated with sleep timing and delayed sleep phase.
Dominant splice-site mutation (c.1657+3A>C) in CRY1, resulting in skipping of exon 11 and associated with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD).
Variant in the CRY1 locus associated with sleep timing and circadian rhythm traits; distinct from rare high-penetrance mutations.
Cryptochrome 1 variant linked to sleep-wake timing variations and subjective poor sleep phenotypes.
This SNP is located in the CRY1 gene, which encodes a core circadian clock protein involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles.