CRY1 rs3809236: Understanding Its Role in Clinical Outcomes
The rs3809236 variant is a genetic polymorphism located within the CRY1 gene, which encodes a core component of the human circadian clock. Research has linked this specific variant to improved survival and decreased recurrence rates in patients following surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.
What each genotype means
Improved clinical outcome association
Research indicates that this genotype is associated with improved survival and decreased recurrence rates in patients following surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. This variant is thought to be located in a regulatory region that may positively modulate CRY1 expression, potentially influencing cellular cycle control.
This genotype is common in the general population, though specific frequency data varies by ancestry.
Improved clinical outcome association
Individuals with this genotype may share the same potential clinical associations observed in studies of hepatocellular carcinoma, where this variant has been linked to better survival outcomes. As this is a regulatory variant, it is hypothesized to influence the expression levels of the CRY1 gene, which plays a role in circadian rhythm and cell cycle regulation.
This heterozygous genotype is found at common frequencies across diverse global populations.
Baseline risk profile
This genotype represents the more common or baseline state for this specific regulatory site in the CRY1 gene. While the alternative allele has been studied for its potential protective role in specific cancer outcomes, the GG genotype does not carry that specific association. Please consult with your physician if you have concerns regarding your health or clinical history.
This is a common genotype observed frequently in most human populations.
What is the rs3809236 Variant?
The rs3809236 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated within the CRY1 gene. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence among individuals. Bioinformatic analyses suggest that rs3809236 is located within a transcription factor binding region, which is a segment of DNA where proteins bind to regulate the activity of a gene. By residing in this regulatory area, the variant may influence how much CRY1 protein is produced by the cell. Because CRY1 is a central component of the molecular machinery that governs our internal biological clocks, variations in its regulatory regions are of significant interest to researchers studying both circadian rhythms and broader cellular processes, including those involved in cancer progression and patient recovery.
The Role of the CRY1 Gene
The CRY1 gene encodes the Cryptochrome Circadian Clock 1 protein. This protein acts as a critical transcriptional repressor within the feedback loops that drive the human circadian rhythm, which is the internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological functions over a 24-hour period. CRY1 functions by binding to the CLOCK and BMAL1 protein complex, effectively inhibiting the expression of various clock-controlled genes. Beyond its role in timing, CRY1 is involved in maintaining cellular stability and regulating metabolic outputs. Because the circadian clock influences a wide array of biological pathways, including cell cycle regulation and DNA repair, the proper expression of CRY1 is essential for maintaining homeostasis. Disruptions or alterations in CRY1 function have been implicated in various conditions, ranging from sleep disorders to potential impacts on cancer cell behavior.
Research Associations and Evidence Strength
The evidence linking rs3809236 to clinical outcomes is considered moderate and is primarily derived from specific observational studies. Research has specifically highlighted an association between this variant and improved survival outcomes, as well as a decreased rate of recurrence, in patients who have undergone radical surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer). While these findings are compelling, they are currently limited to specific clinical contexts and do not imply a universal effect on health or cancer risk. It is important to note that while bioinformatic models suggest a functional role for this SNP in modulating CRY1 expression, further large-scale clinical studies are required to fully understand the mechanism and the extent of its impact across different populations and disease states.
Population Frequency
The rs3809236 variant is classified as a common variant in the human population. Its frequency can vary across different ancestral groups, which is a standard observation for many common genetic polymorphisms. Because it is common, it is frequently captured in large-scale genomic studies and biobank data, allowing researchers to investigate its potential associations with various health traits and clinical outcomes.
What You Can Do With This Information
Information regarding genetic variants like rs3809236 is primarily intended for educational and research purposes. It is crucial to understand that this variant is not a diagnostic tool, and its presence does not predict a specific health outcome for any individual. Genetic associations observed in research studies represent statistical trends across large groups of people, not individual medical certainties. If you have questions about your health, genetic testing results, or how specific genetic factors might relate to your medical history, you should consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a genetic counselor. They can provide context based on your personal health profile. Furthermore, if you are managing a medical condition, always discuss any concerns regarding treatment or clinical outcomes with your primary care physician or specialist.
How common is this variant?
The rs3809236 variant is a common polymorphism found across diverse human populations.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs3809236 a cause of cancer?
No, rs3809236 is not a cause of cancer. It is a genetic variant that has been statistically associated with clinical outcomes in patients who have already been diagnosed with and treated for specific types of cancer.
Can I use this variant to predict my health?
No, this variant cannot be used to predict your health. Genetic associations are based on population-level data and do not provide individual medical predictions or diagnoses.
Does this variant affect my sleep?
While the CRY1 gene is involved in circadian rhythms, the specific rs3809236 variant is primarily noted in literature for its association with clinical outcomes in cancer patients rather than as a primary driver of sleep disorders.
Should I get tested for this SNP?
There is no clinical recommendation to get tested for this SNP. Genetic testing should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine if it is relevant to your specific medical situation.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 11/1/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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This intronic variant in the CRY1 gene is associated with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) and has been linked to variations in glycemic parameters and insulin resistance.
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.