DLG4 Gene
Discs Large Scaffold Protein 4 (PSD-95) (DLG4) is a gene involved in postsynaptic density scaffold / NMDAR clustering that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in DLG4 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 DLG4 gene?
DLG4 encodes discs large scaffold protein 4 (psd-95), a protein involved in postsynaptic density scaffold / NMDAR clustering. It belongs to the Neurological category and is part of the Neurological & Cognitive Function biological cluster. DLG4 encodes PSD-95, the major postsynaptic density scaffold protein that clusters NMDA receptors and organizes signaling at glutamatergic synapses.
Biological role and pathway
DLG4 is involved in the postsynaptic density scaffold / NMDAR clustering pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Neurological & Cognitive Function 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.
DLG4 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
PSD-95 organizes glutamate receptor clustering critical for learning and memory; DLG4 variants may affect synaptic organization and vulnerability to cognitive impairment 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 DLG4 gene have been studied in relation to neurological and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs17203281— DLG4 variant
Conditions studied in relation to DLG4
Research into DLG4 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that DLG4 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 DLG4 and related genes in the neurological & cognitive function 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 Neurological & Cognitive Function pathway
DLG4 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 DLG4 gene and what does it do?
DLG4 (Discs Large Scaffold Protein 4 (PSD-95)) is involved in postsynaptic density scaffold / NMDAR clustering. DLG4 encodes PSD-95, the major postsynaptic density scaffold protein that clusters NMDA receptors and organizes signaling at glutamatergic synapses.
How may DLG4 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
PSD-95 organizes glutamate receptor clustering critical for learning and memory; DLG4 variants may affect synaptic organization and vulnerability to cognitive impairment in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my DLG4 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 DLG4 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 DLG4. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Nature Neuroscience