What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Stroke and Heart Risk: 6/10 evidence, 32 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Stroke and Cardiovascular Risk
Carrying two copies of the common allele is associated with standard blood vessel receptor levels. This genotype is linked to a typical response to antiplatelet medications and standard baseline risks for vascular events.
What this genotype means: Typical stroke risk; Standard response to clopidogrel.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Increased Stroke and Heart Medication Risk
Carrying one copy of the variant allele is linked to elevated blood vessel receptor levels. This genetic profile is associated with a higher risk of stroke and reduced effectiveness of certain heart medications.
What this genotype means: Increased susceptibility to stroke; Reduced response to clopidogrel.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Highest Stroke and Heart Medication Risk
Carrying two copies of the variant allele is associated with the highest levels of blood vessel receptors. This genotype is linked to elevated risks of stroke and significant resistance to common antiplatelet drugs.
What this genotype means: Highest susceptibility to stroke; Significant clopidogrel resistance; Elevated glioma risk.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The KDR gene encodes vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, a key protein that controls blood vessel growth and maintenance [1]. This receptor is primarily found on the surface of endothelial cells lining the blood vessels [1]. When activated by its ligand, it triggers signals that promote cell survival, migration, and the formation of new blood vessels [1]. Proper functioning of this pathway is essential for wound healing, embryonic development, and maintaining vascular health [1]. However, overactivity of this receptor can fuel tumor growth by supplying cancers with new blood vessels [2].
Variant Impact: The rs2305948 variant is a missense mutation in the KDR gene that changes the amino acid valine to isoleucine at position 297 [1]. This specific change occurs in the extracellular domain of the receptor, which is critical for binding its signaling partners [1]. Alterations in this region can modify how the receptor responds to growth signals and affect overall blood vessel stability [1]. Research shows this genetic change influences the circulating levels of the receptor in the bloodstream [3]. It also alters how the receptor interacts with various cancer therapies and cardiovascular medications [4] [5].
Key Insight: This variant alters a receptor in the blood vessel walls, simultaneously affecting stroke susceptibility and how the body processes common heart medications.
Location: KDR. Chromosome 4 · 4q12 · 55.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 74.7%; European 81.1%; African 57.9%; East Asian 73.5%; South Asian 80.4%; Americas 82.6%; Ashkenazi 81.1%; Finnish 83.4%; Middle Eastern 74.6%; Amish 84.8%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 23.0%; European 17.9%; African 36.4%; East Asian 24.5%; South Asian 18.6%; Americas 16.5%; Ashkenazi 17.9%; Finnish 15.8%; Middle Eastern 23.5%; Amish 14.5%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 2.3%; European 1.0%; African 5.7%; East Asian 2.0%; South Asian 1.1%; Americas 0.8%; Ashkenazi 1.0%; Finnish 0.7%; Middle Eastern 1.9%; Amish 0.6%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Stroke
Stroke. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19520980. Typical Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Anticoagulant & Blood Thinner Response
Clopidogrel Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 25738571. Typical Response.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
VEGFR-2 Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 35264221. Typical Levels.
Cancer & Oncology
Brain & Nervous System Cancers
Glioma. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26081139. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Stroke. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19520980. Increased Risk.
Clopidogrel Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 25738571. Poorer Response.
VEGFR-2 Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 35264221. Elevated Levels.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Stroke. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19520980. Highest Risk.
VEGFR-2 Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 35264221. Highest Levels.
Glioma. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26081139. Increased Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Maintaining two copies of the reference allele results in typical levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in circulation [1]. This baseline receptor activity supports normal blood vessel maintenance and stability [2]. Clinical studies indicate that this genotype is associated with a standard risk of hemorrhagic stroke and typical vascular health [2]. When undergoing cardiovascular procedures, people with this genetic profile generally show a normal, effective response to the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel [3]. They also tend to have standard outcomes and typical survival rates when treated with certain targeted cancer therapies like sorafenib [4]. Overall, this genetic profile represents the most common baseline in the general population and does not elevate vascular or oncological risks.
Typical stroke risk; Standard response to clopidogrel.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Inheriting one copy of the variant allele leads to higher circulating levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 [1]. This alteration in receptor expression can impact blood vessel integrity and has been associated with an increased susceptibility to intracerebral hemorrhage [2]. Furthermore, this genetic change is linked to a higher risk of stroke recurrence over time [2]. In cardiovascular care, carriers of this variant often show a poorer response to the antiplatelet medication clopidogrel, which can elevate the risk of complications [3]. There is also an association with reduced survival rates and altered drug responses during anti-angiogenic cancer therapies [4]. While these findings highlight important vascular tendencies, they represent relative risks rather than certain outcomes.
Increased susceptibility to stroke; Reduced response to clopidogrel.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the variant allele is associated with significantly elevated levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in the blood [1]. This pronounced increase in receptor expression is linked to a higher susceptibility to brain hemorrhages and a greater likelihood of stroke recurrence [2]. In patients treated with the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel, this genotype is strongly associated with drug resistance, which can increase the risk of chest pain and heart attacks [3]. Additionally, this genetic profile is linked to poorer survival outcomes during targeted anti-angiogenic cancer treatments [4]. Some studies also suggest an increased susceptibility to specific brain tumors, particularly in certain populations [5]. These cumulative effects make understanding this genetic profile valuable for tailoring cardiovascular and oncological therapies.
Highest susceptibility to stroke; Significant clopidogrel resistance; Elevated glioma risk.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1870377 · KDR Gene · Chr 4 · Blood Vessel Growth
rs2071559 · KDR Gene · Chr 4 · Cardiovascular and Eye Health
rs12041331 · PEAR1 Gene · Chr 1 · Blood Thinner Response
VEGF receptor-2 variants are associated with susceptibility to stroke and recurrence.
Content updated August 2026.
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