CGAS Gene

Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (CGAS) is a gene involved in cGAS-STING cytosolic DNA sensing that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CGAS 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 CGAS gene?

CGAS encodes cyclic gmp-amp synthase, a protein involved in cGAS-STING cytosolic DNA sensing. It belongs to the Antiviral category and is part of the Viral Defense & Interferon Response biological cluster. CGAS encodes cyclic GMP-AMP synthase, which detects cytosolic double-stranded DNA and synthesizes cGAMP to activate STING.

Biological role and pathway

CGAS is involved in the cGAS-STING cytosolic DNA sensing 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.

CGAS and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

cGAS-STING sensing of cytosolic mitochondrial DNA and SARS-CoV-2 components drives type I interferon responses; cGAS variants may affect the innate immune sensing of viral nucleic acids 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 CGAS gene have been studied in relation to antiviral and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to CGAS

Research into CGAS variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CGAS 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 CGAS 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

CGAS 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 CGAS gene and what does it do?

CGAS (Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase) is involved in cGAS-STING cytosolic DNA sensing. CGAS encodes cyclic GMP-AMP synthase, which detects cytosolic double-stranded DNA and synthesizes cGAMP to activate STING.

How may CGAS gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

cGAS-STING sensing of cytosolic mitochondrial DNA and SARS-CoV-2 components drives type I interferon responses; cGAS variants may affect the innate immune sensing of viral nucleic acids in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my CGAS 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 CGAS 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for CGAS. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32217835
  • [2]Science
  • [3]Nature