ACO2 Gene

Aconitase 2 (Mitochondrial) (ACO2) is a gene involved in TCA cycle that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ACO2 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 ACO2 gene?

ACO2 encodes aconitase 2 (mitochondrial), a protein involved in TCA cycle. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. ACO2 encodes mitochondrial aconitase, which catalyzes the conversion of citrate to isocitrate in the TCA cycle.

Biological role and pathway

ACO2 is involved in the TCA cycle pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM 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.

ACO2 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Mitochondrial aconitase is sensitive to oxidative stress from superoxide; variants may affect TCA cycle flux and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction 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 ACO2 gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to ACO2

Research into ACO2 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ACO2 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 ACO2 and related genes in the mitochondrial energy production & pem 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 Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM pathway

ACO2 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 ACO2 gene and what does it do?

ACO2 (Aconitase 2 (Mitochondrial)) is involved in TCA cycle. ACO2 encodes mitochondrial aconitase, which catalyzes the conversion of citrate to isocitrate in the TCA cycle.

How may ACO2 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Mitochondrial aconitase is sensitive to oxidative stress from superoxide; variants may affect TCA cycle flux and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my ACO2 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 ACO2 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 ACO2. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 34316049
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Cell Metabolism