GSTM1 Gene
Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) is a gene involved in glutathione conjugation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in GSTM1 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 GSTM1 gene?
GSTM1 encodes glutathione s-transferase mu 1, a protein involved in glutathione conjugation. It belongs to the Metabolism category and is part of the Pharmacogenomics biological cluster. GSTM1 is a glutathione transferase that detoxifies electrophilic compounds including carcinogens, reactive oxygen species, and drugs. The null genotype (gene deletion, ~50% population frequency) results in absent GSTM1 activity.
Biological role and pathway
GSTM1 is involved in the glutathione conjugation 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.
GSTM1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
The GSTM1 null genotype reduces detoxification capacity and is associated with increased oxidative stress susceptibility. Null individuals may have impaired mitochondrial protection from oxidative stress relevant to the energy depletion and fatigue 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 GSTM1 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 GSTM1
Research into GSTM1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that GSTM1 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 GSTM1 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
GSTM1 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 GSTM1 gene and what does it do?
GSTM1 (Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 1) is involved in glutathione conjugation. GSTM1 is a glutathione transferase that detoxifies electrophilic compounds including carcinogens, reactive oxygen species, and drugs. The null genotype (gene deletion, ~50% population frequency) results in absent GSTM1 activity.
How may GSTM1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
The GSTM1 null genotype reduces detoxification capacity and is associated with increased oxidative stress susceptibility. Null individuals may have impaired mitochondrial protection from oxidative stress relevant to the energy depletion and fatigue in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my GSTM1 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 GSTM1 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 GSTM1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 27440432
- [2]Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention
- [3]Free Radical Biology and Medicine