CPT1A Gene
Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) is a gene involved in long-chain fatty acid mitochondrial import that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CPT1A 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 CPT1A gene?
CPT1A encodes carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a, a protein involved in long-chain fatty acid mitochondrial import. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. CPT1A encodes the liver isoform of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme for import of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation.
Biological role and pathway
CPT1A is involved in the long-chain fatty acid mitochondrial import 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.
CPT1A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidation is critical for sustained energy production; variants may affect mitochondrial energy metabolism and contribute to fatigue 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 CPT1A gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs2228603— CPT1A variant
Conditions studied in relation to CPT1A
Research into CPT1A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CPT1A 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 CPT1A 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
CPT1A 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 CPT1A gene and what does it do?
CPT1A (Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1A) is involved in long-chain fatty acid mitochondrial import. CPT1A encodes the liver isoform of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme for import of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation.
How may CPT1A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidation is critical for sustained energy production; variants may affect mitochondrial energy metabolism and contribute to fatigue in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my CPT1A 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 CPT1A 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 CPT1A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34316049
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Cell Metabolism