Explore by Health Interest / Genetics & Connective Tissue
Genetics & Connective Tissue
Connective tissue holds the body together, and its strength and flexibility are shaped partly by genes. Here's what genetic testing can tell you, and what it can't.
Connective tissue and your genes
Connective tissue includes collagen and elastic fibres in skin, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels and organs. Variants in genes that build these proteins cause several inherited conditions, including most types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome and related disorders.
Two kinds of genetic test
Clinical diagnostic testing
Sequences specific genes to confirm or rule out a suspected inherited condition, such as classical or vascular EDS. Usually arranged through a medical genetics service, with genetic counselling.
Consumer wellness and risk testing
Looks at selected common variants associated with traits, nutrition or disease risk. These tests are not designed to diagnose inherited connective tissue disorders.
What's known, and what isn't
- Well established: Most EDS types and Marfan syndrome have identified genetic causes.
- Not yet known: Hypermobile EDS, the most common type, has no identified gene and no genetic test.
- Being researched: Why joint hypermobility often occurs alongside dysautonomia, digestive symptoms and mast cell symptoms.
Important limitations: None of the tests we currently offer analyse collagen or other connective tissue genes. A result from our DNA tests cannot confirm or rule out EDS, hypermobility spectrum disorders or Marfan syndrome.
Other inherited health topics
Our genetic tests do cover some well-studied inherited risks. Learn about hereditary hemochromatosis, inherited clotting risks and celiac disease susceptibility.
Related Tests
No confirmed test available yet
We don't currently offer a laboratory test with a meaningful, scientifically supported connection to this topic, so we don't list one here. We'd rather show nothing than suggest a connection the science doesn't support.
Connective tissue gene panels are not currently available through a Wise Canary laboratory partner.
For education only. This information is not medical advice and doesn't replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Health & laboratory disclaimer