GCLM Gene
Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Modifier Subunit (GCLM) is a gene involved in glutathione biosynthesis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in GCLM 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 GCLM gene?
GCLM encodes glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, a protein involved in glutathione biosynthesis. It belongs to the Oxidative Stress category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. GCLM encodes the regulatory subunit of GCL, which increases the catalytic efficiency of GCLC for glutathione production.
Biological role and pathway
GCLM is involved in the glutathione biosynthesis pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Oxidative Stress 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.
GCLM and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
GCLM variants reducing glutathione synthesis capacity may lower antioxidant defenses contributing to oxidative damage 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 GCLM gene have been studied in relation to oxidative stress and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs41303970— GCLM variant
Conditions studied in relation to GCLM
Research into GCLM variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that GCLM 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 GCLM and related genes in the oxidative stress 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 Oxidative Stress pathway
GCLM 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 GCLM gene and what does it do?
GCLM (Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Modifier Subunit) is involved in glutathione biosynthesis. GCLM encodes the regulatory subunit of GCL, which increases the catalytic efficiency of GCLC for glutathione production.
How may GCLM gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
GCLM variants reducing glutathione synthesis capacity may lower antioxidant defenses contributing to oxidative damage in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my GCLM 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 GCLM 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 GCLM. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 25122754
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation