ALOX5 Gene
Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase (ALOX5) is a gene involved in leukotriene synthesis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ALOX5 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 ALOX5 gene?
ALOX5 encodes arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase, a protein involved in leukotriene synthesis. It belongs to the Inflammation category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. ALOX5 (5-LOX) converts arachidonic acid to 5-HPETE and leukotriene A4, initiating leukotriene synthesis for mast cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil inflammatory responses. The promoter VNTR polymorphism affects gene expression levels.
Biological role and pathway
ALOX5 is involved in the leukotriene synthesis pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Immune System & Inflammation 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.
ALOX5 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Leukotrienes mediate bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and neutrophil recruitment relevant to Long COVID respiratory symptoms. ALOX5 promoter variants reducing leukotriene production may protect against respiratory inflammation in post-COVID syndrome.
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 ALOX5 gene have been studied in relation to inflammation and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs12762303— ALOX5 variant
- rs2115819— ALOX5 variant
- rs4987105— ALOX5 variant
Conditions studied in relation to ALOX5
Research into ALOX5 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ALOX5 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 ALOX5 and related genes in the immune system & inflammation 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 Immune System & Inflammation pathway
ALOX5 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 ALOX5 gene and what does it do?
ALOX5 (Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase) is involved in leukotriene synthesis. ALOX5 (5-LOX) converts arachidonic acid to 5-HPETE and leukotriene A4, initiating leukotriene synthesis for mast cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil inflammatory responses. The promoter VNTR polymorphism affects gene expression levels.
How may ALOX5 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Leukotrienes mediate bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and neutrophil recruitment relevant to Long COVID respiratory symptoms. ALOX5 promoter variants reducing leukotriene production may protect against respiratory inflammation in post-COVID syndrome.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ALOX5 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 ALOX5 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 ALOX5. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 24768742
- [2]Nature Reviews Immunology
- [3]Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology