ADAR Gene
Adenosine Deaminase Double-Stranded RNA Specific (ADAR) is a gene involved in RNA editing / innate immune modulation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ADAR 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 ADAR gene?
ADAR encodes adenosine deaminase double-stranded rna specific, a protein involved in RNA editing / innate immune modulation. It belongs to the Antiviral category and is part of the Viral Defense & Interferon Response biological cluster. ADAR encodes an RNA editing enzyme that converts adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA, modulating innate immune sensing.
Biological role and pathway
ADAR is involved in the RNA editing / innate immune modulation pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Viral Defense & Interferon Response 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.
ADAR and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
ADAR-mediated RNA editing prevents excessive immune activation from endogenous dsRNA; variants may affect innate immune activation and contribute to autoimmune features of 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 ADAR gene have been studied in relation to antiviral and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs1127317— ADAR variant
Conditions studied in relation to ADAR
Research into ADAR variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ADAR 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 ADAR and related genes in the viral defense & interferon response 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 Viral Defense & Interferon Response pathway
ADAR 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 ADAR gene and what does it do?
ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Double-Stranded RNA Specific) is involved in RNA editing / innate immune modulation. ADAR encodes an RNA editing enzyme that converts adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA, modulating innate immune sensing.
How may ADAR gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
ADAR-mediated RNA editing prevents excessive immune activation from endogenous dsRNA; variants may affect innate immune activation and contribute to autoimmune features of Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ADAR 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 ADAR 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 ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for ADAR. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32217835
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Science