MSRA Gene

Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A (MSRA) is a gene involved in protein oxidation repair that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in MSRA 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 MSRA gene?

MSRA encodes methionine sulfoxide reductase a, a protein involved in protein oxidation repair. It belongs to the Oxidative Stress category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. MSRA encodes methionine sulfoxide reductase A, which repairs oxidized methionine residues in proteins, counteracting oxidative damage.

Biological role and pathway

MSRA is involved in the protein oxidation repair 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.

MSRA and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

MSRA activity protects proteins from oxidative modification; variants may affect protein quality and cellular function under Long COVID oxidative stress.

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 MSRA 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.

Conditions studied in relation to MSRA

Research into MSRA variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that MSRA 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 MSRA 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

MSRA 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 MSRA gene and what does it do?

MSRA (Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A) is involved in protein oxidation repair. MSRA encodes methionine sulfoxide reductase A, which repairs oxidized methionine residues in proteins, counteracting oxidative damage.

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

MSRA activity protects proteins from oxidative modification; variants may affect protein quality and cellular function under Long COVID oxidative stress.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my MSRA 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 MSRA 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 MSRA. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 25122754
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation