Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 1 Like (CHD1L)

August 7, 2023

According to a new study, some people of African descent possess a gene variant- Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 1 Like (CHD1L) that likely controls human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), lowering their risk of transmitting the virus and delaying the advancement of their own illness.
- The researchers said between 4 to 13% of people of African origin could be carrying this particular variant.
CHD1L contains information to make proteins that allow the body to repair DNA damage.
CHD1L gene variant has been linked to reduced viral load (amount of HIV in blood) of HIV-1 (more common and severe retrovirus compared to HIV-2).
The gene variant CHD1L is found on chromosome 1.