CHRM3 Gene
Cholinergic Receptor Muscarinic 3 (CHRM3) is a gene involved in smooth muscle cholinergic signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CHRM3 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 CHRM3 gene?
CHRM3 encodes cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3, a protein involved in smooth muscle cholinergic signaling. It belongs to the Autonomic category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. CHRM3 encodes the M3 muscarinic receptor on smooth muscle and secretory cells mediating bronchoconstriction and gland secretion.
Biological role and pathway
CHRM3 is involved in the smooth muscle cholinergic signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Autonomic Nervous System 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.
CHRM3 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CHRM3 variants may affect smooth muscle tone and secretory function in respiratory and GI symptoms of 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 CHRM3 gene have been studied in relation to autonomic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs543322— CHRM3 variant
Conditions studied in relation to CHRM3
Research into CHRM3 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CHRM3 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 CHRM3 and related genes in the autonomic nervous system 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 Autonomic Nervous System pathway
CHRM3 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 CHRM3 gene and what does it do?
CHRM3 (Cholinergic Receptor Muscarinic 3) is involved in smooth muscle cholinergic signaling. CHRM3 encodes the M3 muscarinic receptor on smooth muscle and secretory cells mediating bronchoconstriction and gland secretion.
How may CHRM3 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CHRM3 variants may affect smooth muscle tone and secretory function in respiratory and GI symptoms of Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my CHRM3 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 CHRM3 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 CHRM3. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33948838
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation