DNASE1L3 Gene

Deoxyribonuclease 1 Like 3 (DNASE1L3) is a gene involved in nucleic acid sensing that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in DNASE1L3 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 DNASE1L3 gene?

DNASE1L3 encodes deoxyribonuclease 1 like 3, a protein involved in nucleic acid sensing. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. DNASE1L3 degrades extracellular chromatin released from dying cells, particularly neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Deficiency causes lupus-like disease due to accumulation of immunogenic DNA complexes.

Biological role and pathway

DNASE1L3 is involved in the nucleic acid sensing pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Innate Immunity & Interferons 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.

DNASE1L3 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Elevated NETs are documented in COVID-19 and Long COVID, contributing to microthrombi and inflammation. DNASE1L3 variants impairing NET clearance may worsen the NET-driven coagulopathy and vascular damage in post-COVID syndrome.

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 DNASE1L3 gene have been studied in relation to innate immunity and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to DNASE1L3

Research into DNASE1L3 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that DNASE1L3 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 DNASE1L3 and related genes in the innate immunity & interferons 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 Innate Immunity & Interferons pathway

DNASE1L3 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 DNASE1L3 gene and what does it do?

DNASE1L3 (Deoxyribonuclease 1 Like 3) is involved in nucleic acid sensing. DNASE1L3 degrades extracellular chromatin released from dying cells, particularly neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Deficiency causes lupus-like disease due to accumulation of immunogenic DNA complexes.

How may DNASE1L3 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Elevated NETs are documented in COVID-19 and Long COVID, contributing to microthrombi and inflammation. DNASE1L3 variants impairing NET clearance may worsen the NET-driven coagulopathy and vascular damage in post-COVID syndrome.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my DNASE1L3 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 DNASE1L3 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 DNASE1L3. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 30143595
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of Experimental Medicine