ALDH2 Gene

What is the ALDH2 gene?

ALDH2 encodes aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, a protein involved in aldehyde detoxification. It belongs to the Drug Metabolism category and is part of the Detox & Medication Sensitivity biological cluster. ALDH2 encodes mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, critical for detoxifying acetaldehyde and other aldehydes.

Biological role and pathway

ALDH2 is involved in the aldehyde detoxification pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Detox & Medication Sensitivity 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.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the ALDH2 gene have been studied in relation to drug metabolism and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

• rs671— ALDH2 variant

Conditions studied in relation to ALDH2

Research into ALDH2 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ALDH2 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 ALDH2 and related genes in the detox & medication sensitivity 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 Detox & Medication Sensitivity pathway

ALDH2 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