Genetics of Neurotransmission
Neurotransmission encompasses the synthesis, release, receptor binding, and reuptake of neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA, and acetylcholine. Genetic variants in neurotransmitter pathways influence mood, cognition, and autonomic function.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is Neurotransmission?
Neurotransmitters mediate communication between neurons and between neurons and peripheral effector cells. Their synthesis, packaging, release, and reuptake are regulated by a series of enzymes, transporters, and receptors — all with genetic variants influencing their function. In Long COVID and ME/CFS, disruptions to multiple neurotransmitter systems have been proposed — including dopaminergic pathways (brain fog, anhedonia), serotonergic systems (mood, gut function), noradrenergic tone (autonomic regulation), and GABAergic inhibitory signalling. Tryptophan metabolism through the IDO1/kynurenine pathway, which diverts tryptophan from serotonin synthesis, has been specifically studied in Long COVID.
Biological pathways commonly discussed in relation to Neurotransmission
Research into Neurotransmission and Synaptic Signalling has highlighted several biological pathways that may be relevant. Genetic variants within these pathways may influence individual susceptibility, symptom severity, or the trajectory of the condition.
Dopamine Pathway
Dopamine is synthesised from tyrosine via TH, stored in vesicles, released, and degraded by COMT and MAO. Variants in COMT (Val158Met), DRD4, and DAT1 influence dopaminergic tone and cognitive function.
Serotonin Pathway
Serotonin is synthesised from tryptophan by TPH1/TPH2, released, and reuptaken by SLC6A4 (SERT). Variants in SLC6A4, TPH2, and serotonin receptors influence mood, gut motility, and cognitive function.
Norepinephrine Pathway
Norepinephrine regulates arousal, attention, and autonomic tone. DBH, SLC6A2 (NET), and ADRA/ADRB receptor variants influence noradrenergic function and autonomic regulation.
Tryptophan Kynurenine
IDO1 and IDO2 divert tryptophan towards kynurenine metabolism (away from serotonin) during inflammation. Elevated kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratios have been documented in Long COVID, potentially contributing to neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Key genes studied in relation to Neurotransmission
The following genes have been studied in relation to Neurotransmission and Synaptic Signalling. These genes span the biological pathways most commonly discussed in this area of research.
10 genes total studied in relation to Neurotransmission across the ChronicDNA dataset.
Genetic variants commonly discussed
The following genetic variants (SNPs) are found in genes that have been studied in relation to Neurotransmission. Each variant represents a position in the genome where individuals may carry different alleles.
17 variants total across genes studied in relation to Neurotransmission.
How personal DNA data may provide educational insights
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may relate to areas such as Neurotransmission.
This is not a diagnostic service. Genetic variants do not determine whether you have Neurotransmission, nor do they predict your clinical outcomes. The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related conditions and pathways
Neurotransmission shares biological pathways and genetic associations with the following related conditions and areas of research.
Frequently asked questions
How may neurotransmitter genetics relate to Long COVID symptoms?
Cognitive symptoms, mood changes, and autonomic dysfunction in Long COVID may partly reflect disruptions to dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic neurotransmission. Additionally, inflammatory activation of IDO1 diverts tryptophan from serotonin production, potentially contributing to neuropsychiatric symptoms.
What is the kynurenine pathway and why is it relevant to Long COVID?
The kynurenine pathway metabolises tryptophan primarily through IDO1 activation during inflammation, diverting tryptophan away from serotonin synthesis. Elevated kynurenine ratios have been documented in Long COVID patients and may contribute to fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and mood symptoms.
What is COMT Val158Met?
COMT Val158Met (rs4680) is a common variant in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene that reduces dopamine degradation in the prefrontal cortex. Met/Met carriers have higher prefrontal dopamine levels, associated with better working memory performance but potentially increased pain sensitivity and stress reactivity.
Which neurotransmitter genes are included in consumer DNA data?
Consumer DNA datasets typically include COMT rs4680, SLC6A4 promoter variants (5-HTTLPR), MAOA uVNTR, and DRD4 variants. ChronicDNA analyses these in the educational context of neurotransmitter pathway biology.
Explore DNA insights
If you already have DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage, upload your raw file to ChronicDNA and receive a personalised educational report covering genes studied in relation to Neurotransmission and connected biological pathways.
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10 genes · 17 variants analysed in relation to Neurotransmission