FMO3 Gene
Flavin Containing Dimethylaniline Monoxygenase 3 (FMO3) is a gene involved in drug metabolism that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in FMO3 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 FMO3 gene?
FMO3 encodes flavin containing dimethylaniline monoxygenase 3, a protein involved in drug metabolism. It belongs to the Metabolism category and is part of the Pharmacogenomics biological cluster. FMO3 is the major hepatic flavin monooxygenase that oxidizes nitrogen- and sulfur-containing compounds including drugs, trimethylamine (TMA), and xenobiotics. Loss-of-function causes trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome).
Biological role and pathway
FMO3 is involved in the drug metabolism pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Pharmacogenomics 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.
FMO3 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
FMO3 metabolizes trimethylamine produced by gut microbiota, linking gut microbiome composition to systemic metabolites. TMA/TMAO dysmetabolism may contribute to cardiovascular risk and immune dysregulation in Long COVID, with FMO3 variants affecting TMAO clearance.
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 FMO3 gene have been studied in relation to metabolism and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to FMO3
Research into FMO3 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that FMO3 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 FMO3 and related genes in the pharmacogenomics 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 Pharmacogenomics pathway
FMO3 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 FMO3 gene and what does it do?
FMO3 (Flavin Containing Dimethylaniline Monoxygenase 3) is involved in drug metabolism. FMO3 is the major hepatic flavin monooxygenase that oxidizes nitrogen- and sulfur-containing compounds including drugs, trimethylamine (TMA), and xenobiotics. Loss-of-function causes trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome).
How may FMO3 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
FMO3 metabolizes trimethylamine produced by gut microbiota, linking gut microbiome composition to systemic metabolites. TMA/TMAO dysmetabolism may contribute to cardiovascular risk and immune dysregulation in Long COVID, with FMO3 variants affecting TMAO clearance.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my FMO3 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 FMO3 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 FMO3. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 27251483
- [2]Cell Metabolism
- [3]Nature Medicine