DNMT3A Gene

DNA Methyltransferase 3 Alpha (DNMT3A) is a gene involved in de novo DNA methylation / epigenetic regulation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in DNMT3A 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 DNMT3A gene?

DNMT3A encodes dna methyltransferase 3 alpha, a protein involved in de novo DNA methylation / epigenetic regulation. It belongs to the Epigenetics category and is part of the Methylation & Neurotransmitters biological cluster. DNMT3A encodes a de novo DNA methyltransferase responsible for establishing DNA methylation patterns during development and in response to environmental signals.

Biological role and pathway

DNMT3A is involved in the de novo DNA methylation / epigenetic regulation pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Methylation & Neurotransmitters 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.

DNMT3A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

COVID-19 induces epigenetic reprogramming via DNA methylation changes; DNMT3A variants may affect the establishment of persistent epigenetic alterations observed 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 DNMT3A gene have been studied in relation to epigenetics and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to DNMT3A

Research into DNMT3A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that DNMT3A 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 DNMT3A and related genes in the methylation & neurotransmitters 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 Methylation & Neurotransmitters pathway

DNMT3A 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 DNMT3A gene and what does it do?

DNMT3A (DNA Methyltransferase 3 Alpha) is involved in de novo DNA methylation / epigenetic regulation. DNMT3A encodes a de novo DNA methyltransferase responsible for establishing DNA methylation patterns during development and in response to environmental signals.

How may DNMT3A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

COVID-19 induces epigenetic reprogramming via DNA methylation changes; DNMT3A variants may affect the establishment of persistent epigenetic alterations observed in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my DNMT3A 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 DNMT3A 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 DNMT3A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 33664986
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Cell