EPHX2 rs7844965: Longevity and Cardiovascular Health
The rs7844965 variant is a common single-nucleotide polymorphism located on chromosome 8 in an intronic region adjacent to the EPHX2 gene. Research from large-scale genome-wide association studies has linked this genetic marker to modest variations in human lifespan and parental longevity. Because EPHX2 regulates vascular tone and inflammatory signaling, researchers believe this locus may subtly contribute to long-term cardiovascular maintenance.
What each genotype means
Common longevity-associated genotype
This genotype is the most common form of this variant. Research has identified this specific genetic marker as being associated with parental longevity in large-scale genome-wide association studies. Because the evidence is limited, this finding should be viewed as a statistical observation rather than a predictive health indicator.
Carried by the majority of individuals in most populations, as the minor allele frequency for this variant is approximately 15-20% in European populations.
Longevity-associated variant carrier
You carry one copy of the minor allele for this variant. This specific genetic marker has been linked to parental longevity in population-based studies. As the evidence for this association is currently limited, this result does not provide a definitive assessment of your personal healthspan or longevity.
Carried by roughly 1 in 4 to 1 in 3 people of European ancestry, based on a minor allele frequency of approximately 15-20%.
Minor allele homozygous genotype
You carry two copies of the minor allele for this variant. This marker has been identified in research investigating genetic factors associated with parental longevity. The evidence remains limited, and this genotype should be interpreted as a statistical association rather than a diagnostic or predictive health factor.
This is the least common genotype, occurring in approximately 2-4% of individuals of European ancestry.
Genetic Location and Variant Details
The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7844965 is situated on the short arm of chromosome 8 at position 27584547 on the GRCh38 human genome assembly. It resides within a genomic region encompassing the EPHX2 gene, which is located in close proximity to the CLU locus. At this specific genetic position, individuals typically inherit either an adenine (A) or a guanine (G) nucleotide from each parent. Because rs7844965 is an intronic variant, it does not alter the primary amino acid sequence of any synthesized protein directly. Instead, polymorphisms in non-coding intronic sequences often exert biological effects by modulating gene transcription, altering chromatin structure, or acting as linkage disequilibrium proxies for other functional genetic changes in neighboring cardiovascular or metabolic genes.
Biological Role of the EPHX2 Gene
The EPHX2 gene encodes the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase, widely abbreviated as sEH. This cytoplasmic enzyme plays a central biological role in regulating vascular physiology, renal homeostasis, and cellular inflammatory responses. Soluble epoxide hydrolase functions by converting bioactive lipid mediators known as epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, or EETs, into their corresponding, less biologically active dihydroxy derivatives called dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). Endogenous EETs promote vasodilation, inhibit blood vessel inflammation, protect endothelial cells, and lower systemic blood pressure. By converting these protective epoxides into inactive diols, variations in sEH enzyme activity or expression levels can alter vascular tone, systemic vascular resistance, and tissue recovery following ischemic stress across long periods of aging.
Scientific Evidence Linking rs7844965 to Longevity
Evidence linking rs7844965 to human healthspan originates primarily from large genome-wide association studies evaluating parental lifespan and exceptional survival. In prospective meta-analyses pooling biobank cohorts, including UK Biobank and AncestryDNA data, rs7844965 reached genome-wide significance in association with paternal lifespan. The identified effect size is exceptionally small, demonstrating modest fractional increments in survival rather than categorical protection from aging. Furthermore, evidence is classified as limited: observational studies evaluating cardiovascular disease endpoints, ischemic stroke, and hypertension across cohorts have occasionally shown conflicting or null results. The current scientific consensus treats rs7844965 as a polygenic contributing marker among hundreds of loci, rather than an isolated or deterministic driver of exceptional longevity.
Ancestry and Population Frequency
The distribution of alleles at rs7844965 varies noticeably across global populations. In individuals of European ancestry, the minor allele displays a frequency typically ranging between 0.15 and 0.20, meaning that roughly 30% to 35% of these individuals carry at least one copy of the less common allele. In contrast, population databases indicate that allele frequencies can differ significantly in non-European ancestries, including populations of African, Asian, or Latin American descent. Because the statistical associations for parental lifespan were uncovered predominantly within large cohorts of European ancestry, caution is required when attempting to extrapolate these statistical findings to other ancestral groups without specific replication studies.
Practical Interpretation and Clinical Limits
Identifying your genotype at rs7844965 provides educational insight into polygenic longevity research, but it carries no direct diagnostic or prescriptive power. Carrying a particular allele at an intronic locus cannot guarantee a longer lifespan, nor does carrying an alternate allele imply an elevated risk of premature cardiovascular illness. Human lifespan and cardiometabolic resilience are complex multifactorial traits driven predominantly by lifestyle practices, environmental exposures, sleep patterns, and medical management. Readers should never alter prescription medications or adjust cardiovascular therapies based on recreational or direct-to-consumer genetic test results. Any decisions regarding blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol assessment, or general longevity interventions should be discussed with a licensed physician.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele frequency for rs7844965 is approximately 0.15 to 0.20 in populations of European ancestry, while frequencies can vary notably across other global populations.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the longevity allele at rs7844965 mean I will live longer?
No, having a specific allele at rs7844965 does not determine your personal lifespan. Genome-wide studies identify statistical patterns across hundreds of thousands of people, where each individual variant contributes an extremely minor fraction of a year to statistical survival. Major lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking status, and medical care exert a much greater impact on individual lifespan.
What is the function of the EPHX2 gene in the human body?
The EPHX2 gene provides instructions for producing soluble epoxide hydrolase, an enzyme that metabolizes anti-inflammatory lipid molecules called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. By regulating these lipid mediators, the enzyme helps manage blood vessel dilation, blood pressure, and inflammation throughout the cardiovascular system.
Is rs7844965 a diagnostic test for cardiovascular disease?
No, rs7844965 is not a diagnostic marker or a medical screening tool for heart disease or stroke. Its current scientific classification is research-only with limited evidence, and clinical medicine relies on validated diagnostic tests like lipid panels, arterial imaging, and blood pressure checks rather than this SNP.
Should I change any medications based on my rs7844965 result?
No, you should never start, stop, or change the dosage of any prescribed medication based on this genetic finding. Pharmacological decisions require professional clinical evaluation and validated pharmacogenomic guidelines. If you have concerns about your cardiovascular medications, consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/8/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs7844965?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29