However in this case, a weak DiCE score also suggests another possibility: that this SNP may be linked to malaria resistance through a mechanism that does not involve MARVELD3. Given that the SNP is near but not in MARVELD3, the function of this SNP in malaria resistance (if it has one) may not involve MARVELD3. An exploration of other nearby genes and any known regulatory functions of this region may be fruitful in helping to identify another factor for DiCE to validate with respect to this SNP. The gene discussed is MARVELD3; the disease is malaria.