ELANE Gene
Elastase, Neutrophil Expressed (ELANE) is a gene involved in neutrophil degranulation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ELANE 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 ELANE gene?
ELANE encodes elastase, neutrophil expressed, a protein involved in neutrophil degranulation. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. ELANE encodes neutrophil elastase, a serine protease stored in azurophil granules. It cleaves extracellular matrix proteins, activates cytokines, and participates in NET formation and antimicrobial defense.
Biological role and pathway
ELANE is involved in the neutrophil degranulation 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.
ELANE and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Neutrophil elastase damages pulmonary endothelium and activates platelets. In Long COVID, persistent neutrophil activation and NETosis may contribute to ongoing vascular damage and microthrombi, with ELANE variants potentially influencing elastase activity levels.
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 ELANE 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.
- rs143434389— ELANE variant
- rs199470136— ELANE variant
Conditions studied in relation to ELANE
Research into ELANE variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ELANE 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 ELANE 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
ELANE 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 ELANE gene and what does it do?
ELANE (Elastase, Neutrophil Expressed) is involved in neutrophil degranulation. ELANE encodes neutrophil elastase, a serine protease stored in azurophil granules. It cleaves extracellular matrix proteins, activates cytokines, and participates in NET formation and antimicrobial defense.
How may ELANE gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Neutrophil elastase damages pulmonary endothelium and activates platelets. In Long COVID, persistent neutrophil activation and NETosis may contribute to ongoing vascular damage and microthrombi, with ELANE variants potentially influencing elastase activity levels.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ELANE 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 ELANE 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 ELANE. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32781104
- [2]Journal of Experimental Medicine
- [3]American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology