GAD1 Gene
Glutamate Decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) is a gene involved in GABA biosynthesis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in GAD1 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 GAD1 gene?
GAD1 encodes glutamate decarboxylase 1, a protein involved in GABA biosynthesis. It belongs to the Neurotransmitter category and is part of the Neurological & Cognitive Function biological cluster. GAD1 encodes glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (GAD67), which converts glutamate to GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Biological role and pathway
GAD1 is involved in the GABA biosynthesis 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.
GAD1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
GAD1 autoantibodies are associated with neurological syndromes; altered GABAergic inhibition may contribute to anxiety and sensory hyperexcitability 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 GAD1 gene have been studied in relation to neurotransmitter and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs769395— GAD1 variant
Conditions studied in relation to GAD1
Research into GAD1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that GAD1 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 GAD1 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
GAD1 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 GAD1 gene and what does it do?
GAD1 (Glutamate Decarboxylase 1) is involved in GABA biosynthesis. GAD1 encodes glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (GAD67), which converts glutamate to GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.
How may GAD1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
GAD1 autoantibodies are associated with neurological syndromes; altered GABAergic inhibition may contribute to anxiety and sensory hyperexcitability in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my GAD1 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 GAD1 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 GAD1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation