HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

The TERT rs2736100 Variant, the FOXO4-DRI Pathway, and Longevity & Aging: What Your Genotype May Mean

FOXO4-DRI is a research peptide being studied for its ability to clear senescent cells, which are aging cells that no longer divide but can still release inflammatory signals that may affect tissue health. By helping trigger these cells to undergo normal cell death, senolytic approaches like FOXO4-DRI may support healthier aging in preclinical studies. The TERT gene is part of telomere maintenance, and telomeres help protect chromosomes as cells divide. When telomeres shorten, cells are more likely to become senescent, linking TERT and FOXO4-DRI through shared longevity pathways. Together, these systems highlight how cell cleanup, inflammation, and telomere biology can influence aging and tissue resilience.

Genetic variation in the TERT gene may influence how efficiently the biological processes connected to FOXO4-DRI and Longevity & Aging function. The rs2736100 variant is analyzed in the PlexusDx Precision Peptide Genetic Test as part of the Longevity & Aging pathway. Depending on your genotype, this variant may have a modest to meaningful influence on cellular senescence, telomere maintenance, and longevity signaling. Understanding your result gives you a personalized starting point for targeted lifestyle, dietary, and supplement strategies grounded in your unique biology.

Practical Foundations for Everyone

Regardless of your TERT rs2736100 genotype, the following lifestyle inputs consistently support healthy aging, cellular integrity, and long-term biological resilience. Carriers of the effect allele often notice a stronger return on these habits when applied consistently — which makes regularity more valuable than intensity.

  • Consistent nutrition: A whole-food dietary pattern rich in vegetables, quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber provides the micronutrient foundation that supports longevity & aging-related pathways at a cellular level.
  • Regular movement: Physical activity — particularly a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training — supports the metabolic signaling and growth factor pathways that interact with longevity & aging and biological resilience.
  • Quality sleep: Restorative sleep is essential for cellular repair, hormone regulation, and the metabolic processes that underpin longevity and healthy aging. Consistent sleep timing amplifies the benefits of other lifestyle habits.
  • Stress management: Chronic stress elevates cortisol and inflammatory markers that can blunt the efficiency of pathways related to longevity & aging. A daily stress-reduction practice — even five to ten minutes of slow breathing or mindfulness — helps maintain biological balance.

Diet Recommendations for TERT rs2736100 and the FOXO4-DRI Pathway

A targeted nutritional approach for the TERT rs2736100 variant focuses on supplying the micronutrients and macronutrient balance that support cellular senescence, telomere maintenance, and longevity signaling and reduce the metabolic burden on pathways connected to FOXO4-DRI. Priority nutrients vary by pathway but consistently center on anti-inflammatory whole foods, adequate protein for cellular and tissue support, and micronutrient density from colorful produce and quality fats.

The Mediterranean Diet is designed to support this pathway. Our Mediterranean Diet is built with high-fiber, nutrient-dense foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Heart-healthy fats are provided by olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Quality protein from dairy, poultry and fish is also consumed to round out the di...

Build meals around quality protein sources (fish, poultry, legumes, eggs), fiber-rich carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, legumes), and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds). Minimize ultra-processed foods, excessive added sugars, and alcohol — all of which increase oxidative and inflammatory burden on pathways that interact with longevity & aging and FOXO4-DRI-related signaling.

Supplement Considerations for TERT rs2736100 Support

Supplements cannot modify your TERT rs2736100 genotype, but targeted supplementation can address nutritional gaps and support the biological pathways connected to FOXO4-DRI and longevity and healthy aging. A foundations-first approach — prioritizing the basics before adding specialty products — produces the most consistent outcomes. Always discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you take medications or manage ongoing health conditions.

The PlexusDx Longevity Support is a personalized daily pack designed to support this pathway. PlexusDx Longevity Support is a personalized daily pack featuring NR, CoQ10, and NAC to help support cellular energy, mitochondrial function, and healthy aging. Designed for convenient daily use, it helps promote vitality and antioxidant defense to keep you feeling your best....

Key nutrients commonly relevant to the Longevity & Aging pathway include those that support cellular senescence, telomere maintenance, and longevity signaling. Assess dietary gaps first; targeted supplementation is most valuable when it addresses a specific nutritional shortfall confirmed by food tracking or lab results rather than used as a substitute for consistent lifestyle habits.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Longevity & Aging and FOXO4-DRI Pathway Support

Consistent lifestyle habits are the most durable and evidence-supported way to reinforce the biological pathways associated with FOXO4-DRI and longevity and healthy aging. For carriers of the TERT rs2736100 effect allele, these habits tend to produce a more noticeable return because they directly influence the signaling environments where the variant has its greatest impact.

A practical weekly target is 150 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity combined with two to three resistance training sessions. Sleep consistency — a fixed wake time, morning outdoor light, and a 60 to 90 minute wind-down before bed — supports cellular recovery and the hormonal balance that underpins longevity and healthy aging. Stress management practices such as slow breathing, mindfulness, or low-stimulation outdoor time help maintain the biological stability that FOXO4-DRI-related pathways depend on for efficient function. Avoiding chronic sleep debt, late-day caffeine, and excessive alcohol further removes common suppressors of longevity & aging-related signaling.

Genetic Interpretations for rs2736100 (TERT)

2 Effect Alleles: CC (+/+)

You have the CC genotype for rs2736100, which means you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variation is associated with differences in TERT gene regulation that may influence telomerase activity and telomere length dynamics. Telomerase helps maintain the protective telomere structures at the ends of chromosomes, which play an important role in determining when cells enter replicative senescence. Individuals with this genotype may experience variations in baseline telomere maintenance and cellular turnover processes, which can influence how quickly senescent cells accumulate over time. Because the FOXO4-DRI pathway targets senescent cells by disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction and promoting their removal, the biological systems influenced by telomere maintenance become particularly relevant. If telomeres shorten more rapidly or telomerase activity is altered, cells may reach senescence thresholds sooner, potentially increasing the number of senescent cells that accumulate in tissues during aging. Supporting healthy telomere biology may therefore be beneficial for maintaining long-term cellular resilience. Lifestyle strategies associated with healthier telomere dynamics include regular physical activity, maintaining healthy metabolic markers such as blood glucose and inflammation levels, and prioritizing restorative sleep and circadian rhythm stability. Nutritional patterns rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients—such as vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich fish—may help reduce oxidative stress that contributes to telomere shortening. Nutrients commonly studied in relation to telomere and mitochondrial health include vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols such as resveratrol, and coenzyme Q10, which may support cellular repair and oxidative stress defense pathways linked to longevity biology.

1 Effect Allele: CA (+/-)

You have the CA genotype for rs2736100, which means you carry one copy of the effect allele and one copy of the non-effect allele. This intermediate genotype may be associated with moderate variation in TERT activity and telomere maintenance compared with the population average. Telomerase function influences how efficiently telomeres are preserved during repeated cell division, which in turn affects when cells enter the senescent state. Because FOXO4-DRI is designed to remove senescent cells that accumulate when telomeres shorten and cellular stress increases, individuals with this genotype may experience balanced telomere dynamics that are particularly responsive to lifestyle and environmental factors. Supporting cellular repair mechanisms and minimizing chronic oxidative stress may help maintain healthier telomere length and reduce the rate at which senescent cells accumulate in tissues. Dietary patterns that emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods—such as leafy greens, colorful vegetables, legumes, fruits, and healthy fats—can help support antioxidant defenses and metabolic balance. Nutrients frequently studied in connection with cellular longevity pathways include vitamin C, selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and polyphenol-rich compounds from foods such as green tea, berries, and cocoa, which help support DNA protection and oxidative stress resistance. Regular exercise, stress management practices, and maintaining consistent sleep cycles may further support the cellular resilience systems that intersect with telomere biology and the senescence pathways targeted by FOXO4-DRI research.

0 Effect Alleles: AA (-/-)

You have the AA genotype for rs2736100, which means you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is generally associated with typical TERT gene activity and telomere maintenance patterns observed in the general population. Telomerase activity and telomere dynamics likely function within a normal physiological range, meaning that cellular senescence processes develop at rates similar to the broader population. Within the context of the FOXO4-DRI pathway, which focuses on selectively removing senescent cells that accumulate during aging, this genotype suggests that the baseline balance between cellular replication, telomere maintenance, and senescence signaling is likely typical. Even so, environmental and lifestyle factors remain important determinants of long-term cellular aging. Maintaining metabolic health, minimizing chronic inflammation, and supporting mitochondrial function can help reduce cellular stress signals that accelerate senescence. Nutritional strategies emphasizing antioxidant-rich foods such as vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids may help protect cellular DNA and reduce oxidative damage that contributes to telomere shortening. Nutrients associated with cellular resilience and healthy aging include vitamin D, magnesium, B-vitamins involved in energy metabolism, polyphenols, and coenzyme Q10, which help support mitochondrial efficiency and cellular repair pathways. Consistent exercise, healthy sleep patterns, and effective stress management may further reinforce the cellular maintenance systems that help preserve tissue function and support long-term healthy aging.

Inconclusive — No Result

Your genetic data for rs2736100, a TERT gene variant, was not successfully called by the laboratory. This means the test did not detect a reliable result for this position, which can occur for technical reasons such as low signal intensity, DNA quality issues, or limitations of the genotyping array. Without a result, we cannot determine whether you carry the typical or effect variant for this gene. If this information is important for your health decisions, you may wish to consider retesting or confirming this variant through a targeted genetic test or sequencing method.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

If you have concerns related to longevity & aging, the FOXO4-DRI pathway, or how your TERT rs2736100 results fit into your broader health picture, consult your healthcare provider. They can interpret your genetic results alongside your symptoms, health history, and lab values to guide appropriate testing, dietary adjustments, and supplementation where relevant.

PlexusDx provides genetic insights to help you understand how your genes may influence nutrient needs and biological pathways. This information is provided for educational and wellness purposes only and does not diagnose, treat, or recommend any specific medication, peptide, or therapy, some of which may be prescription-only, investigational, or intended for research use only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement regimen, diet, or health plan based on genetic information.

Frequently Asked Questions About TERT rs2736100 and FOXO4-DRI

What does the TERT rs2736100 variant mean for my longevity and healthy aging?

The rs2736100 variant in the TERT gene may influence how efficiently biological processes connected to FOXO4-DRI and Longevity & Aging function in your body. Depending on your genotype, this can have a modest to meaningful effect on cellular senescence, telomere maintenance, and longevity signaling. Understanding your result gives you a personalized starting point for a targeted lifestyle and nutrition strategy grounded in your unique genetic biology.

How does the FOXO4-DRI pathway relate to TERT and longevity and healthy aging?

FOXO4-DRI is a peptide being studied for its potential role in supporting healthy aging, cellular integrity, and long-term biological resilience. Researchers are interested in how FOXO4-DRI-associated pathways may interact with genes like TERT, which contribute to the signaling environments that influence longevity & aging function. The PlexusDx Precision Peptide Genetic Test analyzes 14 pathways, 49 peptides, and 150 genetic insights — including TERT rs2736100 — to provide a comprehensive view of how your genetics may influence these interconnected systems.

Can lifestyle changes support TERT function regardless of my genotype?

Yes. Consistent lifestyle habits — regular exercise, quality sleep, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and stress management — support longevity & aging-related biological pathways across all genotypes. For carriers of the effect allele at rs2736100, these habits tend to produce a stronger measurable return because they directly reinforce the signaling environments where this variant has its greatest influence. Consistency and habit stacking — combining exercise, sleep, and nutrition improvements together — tends to produce better outcomes than any single change in isolation.

What tests can help me learn more about my longevity and healthy aging and the FOXO4-DRI pathway?

The PlexusDx Precision Peptide Genetic Test analyzes 14 pathways, 49 peptides, and 150 genetic insights — including TERT rs2736100 — to deliver a comprehensive picture of how your genetics may influence peptide-related health pathways. The Peptide Pathways Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

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

🧬 Genetic Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.