What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cancer and Heart Risk: 4/10 evidence, 49 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Cancer Risk but Lower Stroke Risk
Carrying two copies of the C allele is linked to an increased susceptibility to several cancers and autoimmune conditions. However, this same genetic profile is associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke (though coronary artery disease risk is higher).
What this genotype means: Elevated risk for breast, gastric, and lung cancers; Increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders; Lower risk of ischemic stroke recurrence.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/G
Slightly Higher Cancer Risk and Typical Heart Risk
Carrying one copy of the C allele is associated with a moderately increased risk of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. Cardiovascular risks for this genotype generally remain close to the population average.
What this genotype means: Moderately increased risk of breast and gastric cancers; Slightly elevated autoimmune susceptibility; Typical baseline risk for cardiovascular events.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Cancer Risk but Higher Stroke Risk
Carrying two copies of the G allele provides a typical, baseline risk for most cancers. However, this genotype is linked to a higher risk of ischemic stroke recurrence (though coronary artery disease risk is lower).
What this genotype means: Typical baseline risk for most cancers; Higher risk of ischemic stroke recurrence; Increased severity of coronary artery lesions.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The MIR146A gene encodes microRNA 146a, a small non-coding RNA molecule that acts as a master regulator of gene expression [1]. It plays a critical role in controlling inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and cell survival mechanisms [2]. By binding to specific target messenger RNAs, microRNA 146a fine-tunes the production of proteins involved in the body's defense systems [3]. Dysregulation of this microRNA is widely implicated in the development of various malignancies and chronic inflammatory conditions [4].
Variant Impact: The rs2910164 variant is a single-nucleotide change located within the precursor sequence of microRNA 146a. This G to C substitution alters the stability of the hairpin loop structure, directly affecting how the mature microRNA is processed and expressed [5]. Depending on the tissue type, this change can lead to altered levels of mature microRNA 146a, impacting downstream inflammatory signals [2]. Consequently, this single genetic change influences susceptibility to several cancers, cardiovascular events, and autoimmune disorders [6].
Key Insight: This variant represents a classic evolutionary trade-off where the allele that increases cancer susceptibility simultaneously offers protection against severe heart disease and stroke recurrence.
Location: MIR146A. Chromosome 5 · 5q33.3 · 160.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 9.8%; European 5.5%; African 15.5%; East Asian 38.5%; South Asian 8.7%; Americas 8.5%; Ashkenazi 4.7%; Finnish 4.5%; Middle Eastern 12.3%; Amish 10.1%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 40.1%; European 35.9%; African 47.7%; East Asian 47.1%; South Asian 41.6%; Americas 41.3%; Ashkenazi 34.0%; Finnish 33.5%; Middle Eastern 45.5%; Amish 43.4%.
Estimated CG genotype frequency.
Global 50.1%; European 58.6%; African 36.8%; East Asian 14.4%; South Asian 49.7%; Americas 50.2%; Ashkenazi 61.3%; Finnish 61.9%; Middle Eastern 42.2%; Amish 46.5%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cancer & Oncology
General Cancer Risk
Cancer Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 32132049. Increased Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Stroke
Ischemic Stroke. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27164084. Lower Risk.
Heart Disease
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 26114385. Increased Risk.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Diabetic Complications. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26997512. Increased Risk.
Immunity & Inflammation
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Disease Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27098222. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for C/G genotype
Cancer Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 32132049. Slightly Higher Risk.
Ischemic Stroke. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27164084. Typical Risk.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 26114385. Typical Risk.
Diabetic Complications. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26997512. Slightly Higher Risk.
Autoimmune Disease Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27098222. Slightly Higher Risk.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cancer Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 32132049. Typical Risk.
Ischemic Stroke. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27164084. Increased Risk.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 26114385. Lower Risk.
Diabetic Complications. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26997512. Typical Risk.
Autoimmune Disease Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27098222. Typical Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Research indicates that the C/C genotype alters the processing of microRNA 146a, which can lead to higher susceptibility to various malignancies, including breast, gastric, and lung cancers [1]. Women with this genotype who develop breast or ovarian cancer are often diagnosed at an earlier age compared to those with the G/G genotype [2]. Additionally, this genetic profile is associated with an elevated risk of autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and thyroid diseases [3]. Interestingly, a significant genetic trade-off exists, as individuals with the C/C genotype show a lower incidence of ischemic stroke and a lower rate of stroke recurrence [4] [5]. However, this genotype carries a higher risk of coronary artery disease [4]. Managing lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and regular health screenings can help mitigate the elevated cancer risks associated with this genotype.
Elevated risk for breast, gastric, and lung cancers; Increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders; Lower risk of ischemic stroke recurrence.
Sample genotype: CG (Heterozygous)
The heterozygous C/G genotype represents an intermediate genetic profile with moderate risk patterns. Studies show that individuals with one C allele have a slightly higher susceptibility to digestive system, lung, and breast cancers compared to those with the G/G genotype [1]. There is also a modest association with earlier onset of familial breast and ovarian cancers [2]. Autoimmune susceptibility, including conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, is slightly elevated but less pronounced than in C/C homozygotes [3]. On the cardiovascular front, the C/G genotype generally confers a typical, near-average risk for ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease [4]. This balance means that while some cancer vigilance is beneficial, cardiovascular risks do not show the elevation seen in G/G carriers [5]. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle with routine medical checkups is the most effective way to support long-term health.
Moderately increased risk of breast and gastric cancers; Slightly elevated autoimmune susceptibility; Typical baseline risk for cardiovascular events.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
The G/G genotype is the most common profile globally and is considered the baseline or normal state for cancer susceptibility [1]. Individuals with this genotype do not carry the elevated risk for breast, gastric, or lung cancers associated with the C allele [2]. However, this profile is associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke [3]. Clinical studies have found that G/G carriers who experience an ischemic stroke have a higher rate of stroke recurrence [4]. In contrast, this genotype is associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome [5]. Because of these cardiovascular risks, focusing on heart-healthy habits, managing blood pressure, and monitoring cholesterol levels are particularly important for individuals with this genetic profile.
Typical baseline risk for most cancers; Higher risk of ischemic stroke recurrence; Increased severity of coronary artery lesions.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2066992 · IL6 Gene · Chr 7 · Inflammatory Disease Risk
rs10411210 · RHPN2 Gene · Chr 19 · Colorectal Cancer Risk
rs1042034 · APOB Gene · Chr 2 · Cholesterol and Lipids
MicroRNA-146a regulates immune-related adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Impact of miR-SNP rs2910164 on miR-146a expression in osteoarthritic chondrocytes.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com