ACE Gene

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) is a gene involved in renin-angiotensin system that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ACE may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.

This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

What is the ACE gene?

ACE encodes angiotensin-converting enzyme, a protein involved in renin-angiotensin system. It belongs to the Cardiovascular category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. ACE encodes angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and inactivates bradykinin.

Biological role and pathway

ACE is involved in the renin-angiotensin system pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Autonomic Nervous System cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.

Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.

ACE and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs4646994) affects circulating ACE levels and renin-angiotensin system balance; variants may influence cardiovascular complications and POTS-like symptoms in Long COVID.

This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the ACE gene have been studied in relation to cardiovascular and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to ACE

Research into ACE variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ACE causes or treats any condition.

Genetic insights from DNA data

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 include ACE and related genes in the autonomic nervous system pathway.

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. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Related genes in the Autonomic Nervous System pathway

ACE does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ACE gene and what does it do?

ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) is involved in renin-angiotensin system. ACE encodes angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and inactivates bradykinin.

How may ACE gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs4646994) affects circulating ACE levels and renin-angiotensin system balance; variants may influence cardiovascular complications and POTS-like symptoms in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my ACE gene?

Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.

Explore your ACE genetic insights

Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.

Get Your Personalised DNA Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for ACE. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32966261
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System