What is PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713 and Why Does the Cardio Zoomer Test for It?

Vascular-regulating gene variants

These are common single‑nucleotide variants in the PHACTR1 gene that influence how vascular cells organize their cytoskeleton and respond to mechanical or biochemical signals. Knowing a person’s PHACTR1 genotype provides inherited context that helps interpret patterns in vascular function and cardiovascular trait profiles when combined with other biomarkers.

View Cardio Zoomer

PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713

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 PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713

${ activeTab.tab_content.text }

View ${ activeTab.tab_content.btn_label }

About PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713

Overview and History

PHACTR1 variants such as rs12526453 and rs169713 are single‑nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in or near the PHACTR1 gene. PHACTR1 encodes phosphatase and actin regulator 1, a protein involved in cytoskeletal organization, cell shape, and signaling in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Population genetic studies and genome‑wide association analyses first highlighted these SNPs because they show reproducible statistical associations with vascular traits across cohorts. Biologically, changes in PHACTR1 expression or regulation are thought to alter cell adhesion, migration, and the vessel wall’s response to stress, which can help explain observed population‑level differences in vascular measures.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

For genetic variants, “elevated” or “low” refers to the presence or absence of alleles that have been linked to population‑level differences. Carrying an allele that has been associated with altered PHACTR1 signaling is linked in studies to patterns of vascular structure or function and to variation in cardiovascular‑related traits. Not carrying those alleles (or having the alternative allele) is associated with a different population‑level pattern. These associations do not determine outcomes on their own; interpretation requires the full Cardio Zoomer profile and clinical context, including other biomarkers, clinical history, and lifestyle factors.

Featured Test

PHACTR1 SNPs are included in Cardio Zoomer to capture an inherited component of vascular biology. They help explain why an individual might show particular patterns in endothelial function, lipid–vascular interactions, or inflammatory responses, and they add genetic context to biochemical and functional markers used for personalized cardiovascular assessment.

View Cardio Zoomer

PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713 FAQs

What is PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713 and why is it important?

These are common genetic variants in the PHACTR1 gene, which helps regulate cell shape and movement in blood‑vessel walls. Research shows certain alleles are associated with different patterns of vascular structure and response. That information adds inherited context to other cardiovascular test results and helps clinicians interpret overall vascular biology.

What does it mean if my PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713 levels are low?

For SNPs, “low” typically means you do not carry the allele linked to the studied association. That pattern is associated at the population level with a different vascular‑biology profile than carriers. It does not by itself predict outcomes; results are most informative when combined with other Cardio Zoomer biomarkers and clinical information.

What does it mean if my PHACTR1 – rs12526453, rs169713 levels are high?

If you carry the allele that has been linked in studies to PHACTR1‑related effects, that association indicates a population‑level tendency toward certain vascular patterns (for example, differences in vessel wall behavior). Elevated carriage is an inherited risk pattern, not a diagnosis, and must be interpreted alongside other laboratory, imaging, and clinical data.

Why is this biomarker included in the Cardio Zoomer?

PHACTR1 SNPs provide genetic insight into vascular cell behavior that complements biochemical markers of lipids, inflammation, and endothelial function. Including these variants helps providers distinguish inherited contributors from acquired changes and supports more precise, personalized interpretation of the overall cardiovascular profile.

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