rs12203592
IRF4rs12203592 is a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IRF4 gene. Genespiral reads it in the Appearance and Aging & Longevity analyses to describe Freckles, Hair Graying, Hair Color and Skin Aging (Wrinkle Formation).
- Gene
- IRF4
- Alleles
- C / T
- Genotypes
- CC, CT, TT
- Traits
- 4 traits across 2 analyses
An rsID such as rs12203592 is the reference number dbSNP assigns to one position in the genome where people commonly differ by a single letter. Raw data exports from 23andMe and AncestryDNA list your two alleles at that position as a genotype - for this marker one of CC, CT, TT. The order of the two letters carries no meaning, so CT and its reverse are the same genotype.
Alleles on this page are written on the forward (plus) strand, matching how consumer raw files report them. Other references sometimes describe the same variant on the opposite strand, which swaps A↔T and C↔G - see why the same variant can look different. The associations below are educational summaries of published research; they are not diagnoses, and the effect of any single SNP is usually modest.
Freckles
Appearance · Part of the Appearance analysis
Affects pigmentation leading to freckling and hair color variation.
| Genotype | Association |
|---|---|
| CC | Fewer Freckles |
| CT | Some Freckles |
| TC | Some Freckles |
| TT | More Freckles |
- Summary
- Variations can increase the likelihood of developing freckles.
- Scientific insights
- The 'TT' genotype is strongly associated with freckling, especially with sun exposure.
- Lifestyle tips
- Regular use of sunscreen can help manage freckle formation.
Hair Graying
Appearance · Part of the Appearance analysis
Influences melanin production affecting hair color maintenance.
| Genotype | Association |
|---|---|
| CC | Less Likely to Gray Early |
| CT | Moderate Likelihood |
| TC | Moderate Likelihood |
| TT | More Likely to Gray Early |
- Summary
- Variations can accelerate or delay the onset of hair graying.
- Scientific insights
- The 'TT' genotype is associated with earlier graying of hair.
- Lifestyle tips
- Proper hair care and nutrition may support pigment maintenance.
Hair Color
Appearance · Part of the Appearance analysis
Modulates pigmentation levels, influencing shades from light to dark hair.
| Genotype | Association |
|---|---|
| CC | Light Hair |
| CT | Brown Hair |
| TT | Dark Hair |
- Summary
- IRF4 gene variations contribute to a spectrum of hair colors, especially blonde to brown.
- Scientific insights
- 'CC' genotype is associated with lighter hair, especially in northern European populations.
- Lifestyle tips
- Hair color may lighten with age or with prolonged sun exposure.
Skin Aging (Wrinkle Formation)
Dermatological Aging · Part of the Aging & Longevity analysis
Influences melanin production and UV response pathways.
| Genotype | Association |
|---|---|
| CC | Typical wrinkle formation |
| CT | Slightly increased tendency |
| TT | Moderately increased tendency |
- Summary
- One of multiple genes affecting skin aging patterns.
- Scientific insights
- Environmental factors, especially UV exposure, have greater impact than genetic variants.
- Lifestyle tips
- Sun protection and skin hydration are important regardless of genetic profile.
Check your genotype at rs12203592
Load your raw DNA file and Genespiral looks up rs12203592 along with every other marker in the Appearance and Aging & Longevity analyses. The file is parsed in your browser and never uploaded, so your genotype stays on your device.
- 1. Download your raw data from 23andMe or AncestryDNA.
- 2. Open the analysis below and choose the file.
- 3. Find Freckles and Hair Graying in your results.
Related
Other markers in IRF4
- rs683 - Gray Hair Onset
More markers from Appearance and Aging & Longevity
Articles that discuss rs12203592
References
Primary databases for this variant. Use them to check allele orientation, population frequencies, and the underlying studies.
- dbSNP entry for rs12203592 - NCBI
- rs12203592 variant page - Ensembl
- rs12203592 summary - SNPedia
- Clinical significance records for rs12203592 - ClinVar
- IRF4 gene - NCBI Gene
Genespiral is an educational tool, not a medical service. Genetic associations describe tendencies observed across populations, not certainties for you. Read the full disclaimer.