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The ULK4 rs7627367 Variant and Fluid Intelligence: What Your Genotype May Mean

Fluid intelligence is the brain’s ability to solve new problems, recognize patterns, and think logically without relying on memorized knowledge. It shows up in real life as processing speed, mental flexibility, learning efficiency, and how quickly you can adapt when something changes. While fluid intelligence is influenced by many factors, including education, sleep, stress, and overall health, genetics can gently shape the “baseline” your brain starts from.

One gene that has been linked to fluid intelligence in large population studies is ULK4. ULK4 plays a meaningful role in how the brain develops and maintains fast, efficient communication between brain cells. When ULK4 activity is lower, the brain’s wiring and “signal speed” may be subtly less efficient over time. The good news is that the brain is highly adaptable. Even if your genetics nudge you in one direction, lifestyle habits that support neuroplasticity can help you build stronger networks and improve real world cognitive performance.

How ULK4 Supports Brain Development and Brain Signaling

ULK4 supports core brain processes that shape how efficiently your nervous system works. These include:

  • Neurogenesis: the creation of new neurons, a process involved in learning and brain adaptability.
  • Neuronal migration: guiding neurons to the right place during development so brain circuits are organized correctly.
  • Myelination: building and maintaining myelin, the insulating “coating” around nerve fibers that helps electrical signals travel quickly and cleanly.

Think of myelin like insulation around electrical wiring. When insulation is strong, messages travel faster and with less “signal loss.” Because fluid intelligence depends on fast, coordinated communication across brain networks, ULK4’s role in neurodevelopment and myelination helps explain why certain ULK4 variants have been linked to differences in fluid intelligence on average across large groups.

Research in cell and animal models suggests that reduced ULK4 activity can impair neuron growth, neuron migration, and myelin formation. Rare disruptions of ULK4 have also been linked to developmental and cognitive difficulties. For most people, however, the effects of common variants are subtle and are only one part of a much bigger picture.

Practical Steps for Everyone

No matter your ULK4 genotype, the most reliable way to support cognition is to consistently reinforce the brain systems that drive neuroplasticity, recovery, and long term resilience. These habits help support the brain’s ability to learn, adapt, and maintain efficient signaling over time.

  • Exercise: Regular movement is one of the strongest lifestyle drivers of brain health and neuroplasticity. A combined routine of aerobic activity and resistance training supports overall brain resilience and cognitive performance.
  • Sleep: High quality sleep supports recovery and helps consolidate learning. Sleep consistency also supports day to day processing speed and mental stamina.
  • Nutrition: A nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory pattern helps support brain metabolism and the building blocks needed for healthy brain structure and signaling.
  • Stress management: Chronic stress can blunt the brain’s ability to adapt. A daily downshift practice supports clearer thinking and better learning efficiency.
  • Progressive learning: The brain adapts when you regularly practice skills that challenge you. The key is gradual difficulty increases over time.

Diet Recommendations for ULK4 rs7627367 and Neuroplasticity Support

A consistent, high nutrient density, anti-inflammatory eating pattern supports neuroplasticity and long term brain function. A Mediterranean style pattern works well: plenty of colorful vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and seeds, extra-virgin olive oil as the main fat, and quality protein at each meal for stable energy and neurotransmitter support.

  • Color and variety: Aim for plenty of vegetables each day and include fruit regularly for micronutrients that support overall brain health.
  • Fiber-forward carbohydrates: Prioritize high-fiber choices like oats, quinoa, beans, lentils, and berries. Pair carbohydrates with protein and healthy fat to help keep blood sugar steadier.
  • Healthy fats for brain structure: Include omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, sardines, or trout several times per week, or use plant sources like ground flax or chia plus walnuts.
  • Choline-rich foods: Include choline sources such as eggs, salmon, chicken, soybeans, or chickpeas. Choline supports acetylcholine and cell membrane integrity.
  • Polyphenol-rich foods: Include foods like berries, cocoa, green tea, and herbs/spices such as turmeric and rosemary. These compounds are commonly associated with healthier brain aging and may support signaling pathways involved in plasticity.
  • Micronutrient coverage: Emphasize magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, spinach, beans), zinc/iron sources (seafood, legumes, lean meats), and B-vitamin sources (leafy greens, legumes, eggs). Deficiencies can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, or slower processing speed.
  • Reduce ultra-processed foods: Frequent refined snacks and highly processed meals can worsen inflammation and may reduce the brain’s training response to learning and exercise.

Supplements and Nutrients to Consider

Supplements can help fill gaps, but they work best when sleep and exercise are already in place. A streamlined approach is often more effective than stacking many products at once. If you decide to try supplements, consider testing one change at a time so you can clearly tell what helps.

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): A foundational option if you do not eat fatty fish consistently. Omega-3s support brain membranes and inflammation balance.
  • Choline support: If your diet is low in choline-rich foods, options such as citicoline (CDP-choline) or alpha-GPC are commonly used to support acetylcholine and cognitive performance, especially for focus and mental stamina. Responses vary.
  • Magnesium: Magnesium glycinate is often used for relaxation, while magnesium threonate is often chosen for brain-focused use. Magnesium may help sleep quality and stress recovery, which matters because plasticity processes consolidate during sleep.
  • Vitamin D: If labs show low vitamin D, correcting it can support immune balance and overall brain health. Dosing is best guided by a blood test.
  • Fiber support: If you struggle to reach fiber targets, options like psyllium or partially hydrolyzed guar gum can support gut–brain signaling and help reduce inflammatory load.

Genetic Interpretations for rs7627367 (ULK4)

2 effect alleles: GG

You have the GG genotype at rs7627367, which means you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variant has been linked to lower ULK4 activity, which is associated with relatively lower fluid intelligence compared with carriers of the beneficial “T” allele in population studies.

Because ULK4 supports neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and myelination, reduced activity in this pathway may subtly affect brain connectivity and processing efficiency over time. The most effective strategy is to treat your lifestyle as a “plasticity support system” by consistently combining movement, sleep, and progressive learning.

Recommendations

  • Build meals around a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory pattern with vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts/seeds, olive oil, and quality protein.
  • Include omega-3-rich fish 2 to 3 times per week, or use plant omega-3 sources regularly.
  • Prioritize choline-rich foods such as eggs, salmon, chicken, soybeans, or chickpeas for brain membrane support.
  • Support steadier blood sugar by emphasizing high-fiber carbs and minimizing ultra-processed foods and frequent refined snacks.
  • Pair exercise with sleep consistency and progressive learning to support neuroplasticity and cognitive efficiency over time.
  • Consider streamlined supplements only if needed for gaps, such as omega-3s, magnesium, or targeted choline support, and avoid stacking many new products at once.
1 effect allele: GT

You have the GT genotype at rs7627367, which means you carry one copy of the effect allele. This variant has been linked to somewhat lower ULK4 activity on average compared with people who carry two “T” alleles, though individual outcomes vary widely.

With one “G” allele, focus on consistency rather than perfection. The goal is to reinforce the brain’s adaptability by protecting recovery and keeping learning challenging enough to create adaptation over time.

Recommendations

  • Use the same brain-building diet principles: protein plus color plus fiber plus healthy fat at most meals.
  • Hit omega-3 sources several times per week and keep ultra-processed foods as occasional.
  • If you notice afternoon mental fatigue, experiment with shifting more carbs earlier in the day and emphasizing protein/fiber at lunch to reduce post-meal slump.
  • Keep exercise steady and protect sleep regularity, especially during stressful periods.
  • Use progressive challenge learning 3 to 5 days per week with increasing difficulty over time.
0 effect alleles: TT

You have the TT genotype at rs7627367, which means you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is generally associated with higher ULK4 activity compared with carriers of the “G” allele and, in population studies, relatively better fluid intelligence on average.

Even with a favorable genotype, long-term outcomes are strongly shaped by lifestyle. The best approach is to protect the advantage by staying active, sleeping consistently, and continuing to learn new, challenging skills so your brain maintains efficient networks over time.

Recommendations

  • Maintain a nutrient-dense eating pattern that supports stable energy and low inflammation.
  • Protect sleep consistency and avoid long stretches of poor sleep or low movement.
  • Keep learning skills that stretch you and increase difficulty over time to reinforce neuroplasticity.
  • If you want one upgrade, increase omega-3 intake and fiber while reducing ultra-processed foods.

Lifestyle Recommendations: The ULK4-Friendly “Plasticity Stack”

ULK4 is tied to brain development and signaling efficiency, but real-world cognitive outcomes are heavily shaped by what you do repeatedly. The most actionable way to support ULK4-related pathways is to combine exercise, sleep, and progressive learning.

  • Exercise: Aim for regular aerobic activity plus resistance training. Aerobic training supports blood flow and brain-supportive signaling. Resistance training supports metabolic health and overall resilience. Together, they support cognition more strongly than either alone.
  • Sleep: Set a consistent wake time, target 7 to 9 hours, get bright morning light, and keep evenings calmer with fewer screens and lighter dinners. Sleep is a major driver of recovery and learning consolidation.
  • Progressive learning: Choose training that truly stretches you, such as timed logic puzzles, mental math, chess/strategy, learning a language or instrument, or structured skill practice where difficulty increases over time. Many people learn better after movement, so pair learning with exercise days when possible.
  • Stress downshift: A daily 10-minute practice such as paced breathing, mindfulness, yoga, or a walk outside can help protect cognitive stamina and improve focus over time.

Educational Note

Genetics influence tendencies, not destiny. ULK4 rs7627367 can nudge average differences in fluid intelligence in population studies, but daily habits such as sleep quality, exercise, nutrition, stress load, and cognitive training are often the biggest drivers of real-world outcomes. If you focus on consistent fundamentals, you can meaningfully support your brain’s ability to learn, adapt, and perform over time.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and intended to help you understand how ULK4 genetics may relate to cognitive performance. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, or exercise plan, or if you have concerns about your health.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report: