What is GLUL – rs10911021 and Why Does the Cardio Zoomer Test for It?

GLUL gene SNP (metabolic)

GLUL – rs10911021 is a common single‑nucleotide variant near the GLUL gene, which encodes glutamine synthetase. This enzyme helps make glutamine, an amino acid tied to nitrogen balance, antioxidant production, and endothelial cell metabolism; the genotype can help explain inherited influences on metabolic and vascular pathways measured by Cardio Zoomer.

View Cardio Zoomer

GLUL – rs10911021

Quality and Security

High-quality testing run in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab in Santa Clara, California.

fortified-health-HIPAA-compliance-pqgjtx4popoe2n0arp68hrz8h2as5rlhgng5b2srk8 1

About GLUL – rs10911021

${ activeTab.tab_content.text }

View ${ activeTab.tab_content.btn_label }

About GLUL – rs10911021

Overview and History

rs10911021 is a single‑nucleotide polymorphism located in or near the GLUL gene, identified in population genetic studies that linked variants in this region to differences in cardiometabolic and vascular traits. It is studied as a genetic marker rather than a diagnostic test and is reported as genotype (which allele an individual carries). GLUL encodes glutamine synthetase, the enzyme that converts glutamate and ammonia into glutamine. Glutamine participates in nitrogen transport, is a precursor for glutathione (an antioxidant), and supports endothelial and cellular metabolism; variation near GLUL can be associated with shifts in these biochemical pathways.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

For a genetic marker like rs10911021, “higher” or “lower” refers to which allele or genotype is present. One allele has been associated in research with patterns consistent with relatively lower GLUL expression or a lower glutamine:glutamate ratio, which can align with signals of altered redox balance or endothelial stress; the alternative allele has been associated with relatively higher expression or different metabolic ratios. These are population‑level associations, not deterministic outcomes—interpretation requires the full Cardio Zoomer panel, clinical context, and other genetic and biochemical data.

Featured Test

Cardio Zoomer includes rs10911021 to provide inherited context for glutamine metabolism, redox balance, and endothelial biology. The variant helps explain why an individual might show particular metabolic or oxidative patterns on other biomarkers, improving personalized risk mapping and guiding targeted clinical interpretation.

View Cardio Zoomer

GLUL – rs10911021 FAQs

What is GLUL – rs10911021 and why is it important?

GLUL – rs10911021 is a common genetic variant located near the GLUL gene, which makes the enzyme glutamine synthetase. It matters because glutamine metabolism links to antioxidant systems and endothelial cell function—pathways relevant to cardiovascular biology. Knowing the genotype adds inherited context to biochemical markers measured in Cardio Zoomer.

What does it mean if my GLUL – rs10911021 levels are low?

Genetic testing reports alleles or genotypes rather than traditional “levels.” If you carry the allele that research links to reduced GLUL expression or activity, studies suggest you may have a lower glutamine:glutamate balance and related signals of altered redox or endothelial function. That association is one piece of the picture and should be interpreted alongside the Cardio Zoomer blood and urine markers and clinical context.

What does it mean if my GLUL – rs10911021 levels are high?

If your genotype includes the allele associated with relatively higher GLUL expression or function, research associates that pattern with different glutamine‑related metabolic ratios and potentially more favorable redox/endothelial signals. These are associations at the population level; clinical interpretation requires correlation with other biomarkers and personal health information.

Why is this biomarker included in the Cardio Zoomer?

rs10911021 adds inherited information about glutamine synthesis and downstream redox and endothelial pathways. When combined with advanced lipid, inflammatory, metabolic, and oxidative markers in Cardio Zoomer, the variant helps clinicians distinguish genetic tendencies from acquired changes and supports more precise interpretation of a person’s cardiovascular biology.

Browse Articles

Introducing Cardio Zoomer + Cardio Genetics: Redefining Precision in Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet most testing still focuses on surface-level metrics like total cholesterol or...

Christopher McLaughlin

Nov 7, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Research & Innovation

Nutritional Genetics: Optimizing Diet to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

What do you think of when you hear the term “cardiovascular disease?” Most people immediately think of high cholesterol, but cardiovascular risk goes ...

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Aug 14, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Nutrients

How Toxin Exposure Impacts Your Cardiometabolic Health

A common theme among many of my nutrition clients is that despite eating well, staying active, and managing stress, they feel worn down, inflamed, and...

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Aug 13, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Toxins Longevity

Beyond Cholesterol: Functional Nutrition for Heart Health

When it comes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), many people immediately think of high cholesterol. High cholesterol—a specific type of dyslipidemia or ...

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Jul 2, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Nutrients

About Vibrant:

The Experts Behind  Every Test

Our team is built on collaboration across disciplines to advance the science of wellness and longevity. At Vibrant Wellness, lab scientists, technologists, clinical researchers, doctors, practitioners, longevity advisors, engineers, and regulatory experts work side by side to transform diagnostics.

By uniting diverse expertise under one mission, we pioneer precision testing that empowers providers to uncover root causes, personalize care plans, and optimize patient health outcomes. Every test we develop reflects this commitment—to push boundaries in functional medicine, deliver clear, actionable insights, and support clinicians in helping patients live healthier, longer lives.

View All Tests

Results trusted by over 18,000 functional wellness professionals

We’re the leading provider of specialty wellness lab testing because we develop our testing with rigorous, ongoing research by top clinical experts, doctors, and scientists.

The gold standard of accuracy in  the lab industry

Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

Our Clinical Support Team

We understand that patient care doesn't end with diagnosis. To achieve Vibrant health, patients need clinical support and
obtainable lifestyle changes. Our clinical support team helps providers make informed treatment recommendations, resulting in  better patient outcomes.

Mary Beth Augustine

DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator

Suzanne Barker

MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator

Suzette Garcia

MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator

Brooke Mader Ganev

MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator

Adair Anderson

MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator

Lillie Luu Nguyen

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jason Barker

ND- Clinical Educator

Emaline Brown

ND- Clinical Educator

Dana Filatova

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jessy Dhanjal

ND- Clinical Educator

Nour Amri

MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator

Ready to Elevate Your Approach to Precision Wellness?

At Vibrant Wellness, we’re redefining the future of diagnostics—making complex science clear, accessible, and actionable. Whether you're a provider advancing personalized care or a patient seeking data-driven answers, our precision testing gives you the clarity to make informed decisions. Experience the next generation of functional medicine through clinically validated insights and seamless testing solutions.

Become a Provider

Become a Patient