GPX4 Gene
Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a gene involved in phospholipid hydroperoxide reduction / ferroptosis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in GPX4 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 GPX4 gene?
GPX4 encodes glutathione peroxidase 4, a protein involved in phospholipid hydroperoxide reduction / ferroptosis. It belongs to the Oxidative Stress category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. GPX4 encodes glutathione peroxidase 4, which reduces phospholipid hydroperoxides and protects against ferroptosis.
Biological role and pathway
GPX4 is involved in the phospholipid hydroperoxide reduction / ferroptosis 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.
GPX4 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
GPX4 prevents ferroptosis (iron-dependent cell death); reduced GPX4 activity may contribute to cell death and tissue damage in Long COVID, particularly in iron dysregulation states.
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 GPX4 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.
- rs713041— GPX4 variant
Conditions studied in relation to GPX4
Research into GPX4 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that GPX4 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 GPX4 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
GPX4 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 GPX4 gene and what does it do?
GPX4 (Glutathione Peroxidase 4) is involved in phospholipid hydroperoxide reduction / ferroptosis. GPX4 encodes glutathione peroxidase 4, which reduces phospholipid hydroperoxides and protects against ferroptosis.
How may GPX4 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
GPX4 prevents ferroptosis (iron-dependent cell death); reduced GPX4 activity may contribute to cell death and tissue damage in Long COVID, particularly in iron dysregulation states.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my GPX4 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 GPX4 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 GPX4. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34088393
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Cell