HADHA Gene

Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Trifunctional Protein Alpha Subunit (HADHA) is a gene involved in long-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in HADHA 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 HADHA gene?

HADHA encodes hydroxyacyl-coa dehydrogenase trifunctional protein alpha subunit, a protein involved in long-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. HADHA encodes the alpha subunit of mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP), performing three steps of long-chain fatty acid oxidation.

Biological role and pathway

HADHA is involved in the long-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM 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.

HADHA and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

HADHA-mediated long-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation is essential for muscle energy production; variants may impair mitochondrial metabolism and contribute to PEM 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 HADHA gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to HADHA

Research into HADHA variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that HADHA 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 HADHA and related genes in the mitochondrial energy production & pem 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 Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM pathway

HADHA 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 HADHA gene and what does it do?

HADHA (Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Trifunctional Protein Alpha Subunit) is involved in long-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation. HADHA encodes the alpha subunit of mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP), performing three steps of long-chain fatty acid oxidation.

How may HADHA gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

HADHA-mediated long-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation is essential for muscle energy production; variants may impair mitochondrial metabolism and contribute to PEM in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my HADHA 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 HADHA 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for HADHA. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 34316049
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Human Molecular Genetics