ATIC Gene
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide Formyltransferase/IMP Cyclohydrolase (ATIC) is a gene involved in de novo purine synthesis / AMPK activation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ATIC 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 ATIC gene?
ATIC encodes 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/imp cyclohydrolase, a protein involved in de novo purine synthesis / AMPK activation. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. ATIC encodes a bifunctional enzyme in the de novo purine synthesis pathway; its substrate AICA-riboside (AICAR) activates AMPK.
Biological role and pathway
ATIC is involved in the de novo purine synthesis / AMPK activation 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.
ATIC and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
ATIC is central to purine biosynthesis and energy sensing via AMPK; variants may affect energy homeostasis and the cellular response to metabolic stress 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 ATIC gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs2372536— ATIC variant
Conditions studied in relation to ATIC
Research into ATIC variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ATIC 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 ATIC 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
ATIC 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 ATIC gene and what does it do?
ATIC (5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide Formyltransferase/IMP Cyclohydrolase) is involved in de novo purine synthesis / AMPK activation. ATIC encodes a bifunctional enzyme in the de novo purine synthesis pathway; its substrate AICA-riboside (AICAR) activates AMPK.
How may ATIC gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
ATIC is central to purine biosynthesis and energy sensing via AMPK; variants may affect energy homeostasis and the cellular response to metabolic stress in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ATIC 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 ATIC 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 ATIC. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34316049
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Cell Metabolism