CRP rs3091244: What Your Genotype Means
The rs3091244 variant is a triallelic single nucleotide polymorphism located within the promoter region of the CRP gene. It is statistically associated with variations in baseline and post-surgical levels of C-reactive protein, a key biomarker for systemic inflammation.
What each genotype means
Baseline CRP level
This genotype is associated with baseline levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation. Research indicates that individuals with this genotype typically exhibit lower median serum CRP levels compared to those carrying the A or T alleles.
This is a common genotype observed in diverse populations.
Elevated CRP level
This genotype is associated with higher baseline levels of C-reactive protein compared to the CC genotype. Statistical associations have linked this variant to markers of systemic inflammation, though individual levels are influenced by many environmental and genetic factors.
This is a common genotype found across many ancestral groups.
Higher CRP level
Carriers of this genotype often show higher median serum C-reactive protein levels. This variant has been studied for its potential association with systemic inflammation markers and certain cardiovascular health outcomes in various populations.
This genotype is less common than the CC or CT combinations in many populations.
Elevated CRP level
This genotype is associated with higher baseline levels of C-reactive protein. Research suggests that the presence of the A allele, similar to the T allele, correlates with increased systemic inflammation markers compared to the CC genotype.
This is a less common genotype compared to those involving the C and T alleles.
Elevated CRP level
Individuals with this genotype typically exhibit higher median serum C-reactive protein levels. This combination of alleles is associated with markers of systemic inflammation in clinical studies.
This is a relatively rare genotype in most studied populations.
Highest CRP level
This genotype is associated with the highest observed median serum C-reactive protein levels in some studies. It has been investigated for potential links to systemic inflammation and specific health conditions, though individual results vary significantly.
This is a rare genotype, occurring at a low frequency in most populations.
Understanding the rs3091244 Variant
The rs3091244 variant is a specific genetic change located on chromosome 1 at position 159,714,875. Unlike many common genetic variants that only have two possible letters, rs3091244 is triallelic, meaning it can present as a C, T, or A at that specific location in the DNA sequence. Because it sits in the promoter region of the CRP gene, researchers have investigated whether this location allows the variant to influence how the gene is turned on or off. Studies have shown that this specific site can affect the transcriptional activity of the gene in laboratory settings, suggesting it may play a role in how much C-reactive protein (CRP) an individual produces. Because it is a common variant, it is frequently studied in the context of how genetic architecture contributes to the wide range of CRP levels observed across different human populations.
The Role of the CRP Gene
The CRP gene provides instructions for making C-reactive protein, a member of the acute-phase protein family. This protein is primarily synthesized by the liver and is released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation throughout the body. Under normal conditions, CRP levels are relatively low, but they can rise dramatically within hours of tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. Because of this rapid response, CRP is widely used in clinical medicine as a sensitive, though non-specific, marker for systemic inflammation. Genetic variations within the CRP gene, such as rs3091244, are of interest to scientists because they help explain why some individuals naturally maintain higher or lower baseline levels of this protein compared to others, independent of external health factors.
Research Associations and Evidence
Research into rs3091244 has consistently linked the variant to measurable differences in CRP concentrations. Multiple studies have observed that the A-allele is associated with higher basal CRP levels. Furthermore, in clinical settings such as following coronary artery bypass graft surgery or acute coronary syndrome, the T-allele has been associated with higher peak postoperative CRP levels. While these statistical associations are robust in various cohorts, the evidence is considered moderate because the clinical impact of these genetic differences can vary significantly based on an individual's overall health, lifestyle, and ancestry. Some studies have also explored potential links between this variant and conditions like coronary heart disease or osteoarthritis, but these findings are complex and often depend on the specific population being studied. It is important to note that these associations describe population-level trends rather than individual health outcomes.
Population Frequency
The rs3091244 variant is considered common, with the different alleles appearing at varying frequencies across global populations. Because it is a triallelic SNP, the distribution of the C, T, and A alleles can differ significantly between ancestral groups, which is a common feature of genetic diversity. Researchers often observe that the frequency of these alleles influences the baseline CRP distribution within specific ethnic or geographic cohorts, such as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, or Mexican American populations. Understanding these frequency differences is essential for researchers conducting genome-wide association studies to ensure that findings are applicable across diverse groups. While the variant is common, the specific combination of alleles an individual carries is determined by their unique genetic inheritance.
Interpreting Your Genetic Information
If you have received information about your rs3091244 genotype, it is important to view it as a piece of data regarding your potential for CRP production rather than a medical diagnosis. Genetic markers like this are only one of many factors—including age, diet, smoking status, and underlying health conditions—that influence your inflammatory markers. You cannot use this information to diagnose yourself with an inflammatory condition or to predict a specific health outcome. If you are concerned about your CRP levels or your risk for inflammatory or cardiovascular conditions, the most effective step is to consult with a healthcare professional. They can order appropriate clinical blood tests to measure your actual CRP levels and interpret them in the context of your complete medical history. Never make changes to your health regimen or medications based on genetic data without first discussing them with your doctor or a qualified pharmacist.
How common is this variant?
The rs3091244 variant is a common polymorphism found across diverse human populations, with allele frequencies varying significantly by ancestry.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if I have the A allele for rs3091244?
Some research studies have associated the A allele with higher baseline levels of C-reactive protein in the blood. However, this is a statistical association observed in populations and does not mean you will have high inflammation.
Can I use this SNP to predict my risk of heart disease?
No. While some studies have explored links between this variant and cardiovascular outcomes, it is not a diagnostic tool. Heart disease risk is complex and determined by many genetic and environmental factors.
Should I change my diet based on my CRP genotype?
There is no evidence-based recommendation to change your diet based solely on this SNP. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your nutrition or health habits.
Is rs3091244 the same as other CRP variants?
No, rs3091244 is a specific, triallelic variant in the CRP gene. Other variants, such as rs1800947 or rs1205, are located in different parts of the gene and have their own distinct associations with CRP levels.
How can I find out my actual CRP levels?
The only way to know your current CRP levels is through a clinical blood test ordered by a doctor. Genetic testing provides information about your DNA, but it does not measure the actual amount of protein currently circulating in your body.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/7/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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