ALOX12 Gene
Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase (ALOX12) is a gene involved in 12-HETE platelet and immune cell signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ALOX12 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 ALOX12 gene?
ALOX12 encodes arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase, a protein involved in 12-HETE platelet and immune cell signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Histamine & MCAS biological cluster. ALOX12 encodes 12-lipoxygenase, which converts arachidonic acid to 12-HETE, a lipid mediator affecting platelet function and pain signaling.
Biological role and pathway
ALOX12 is involved in the 12-HETE platelet and immune cell signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Histamine & MCAS 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.
ALOX12 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
12-HETE produced by ALOX12 activates platelets and potentiates pain signaling; variants may affect platelet hyperreactivity and pain sensitization 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 ALOX12 gene have been studied in relation to immune signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to ALOX12
Research into ALOX12 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ALOX12 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 ALOX12 and related genes in the histamine & mcas 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 Histamine & MCAS pathway
ALOX12 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 ALOX12 gene and what does it do?
ALOX12 (Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase) is involved in 12-HETE platelet and immune cell signaling. ALOX12 encodes 12-lipoxygenase, which converts arachidonic acid to 12-HETE, a lipid mediator affecting platelet function and pain signaling.
How may ALOX12 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
12-HETE produced by ALOX12 activates platelets and potentiates pain signaling; variants may affect platelet hyperreactivity and pain sensitization in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ALOX12 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 ALOX12 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 ALOX12. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33398161
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology