Risk Allele

A risk allele is a specific version of a gene that is associated with an increased likelihood of developing a disease or condition. Everyone has two copies of most genes, one inherited from each parent. When a person has at least one copy of a risk allele, their chances of certain health issues may be higher compared to those without it. However, having a risk allele doesn’t guarantee that a person will get the disease; it simply indicates a greater susceptibility, often influenced by other genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.