NRXN1 Gene
Neurexin 1 (NRXN1) is a gene involved in synaptic organization that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in NRXN1 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 NRXN1 gene?
NRXN1 encodes neurexin 1, a protein involved in synaptic organization. It belongs to the Neuroplasticity category and is part of the Neurological & Cognitive Function biological cluster. NRXN1 encodes neurexin 1, a presynaptic cell adhesion molecule essential for synapse formation and neurotransmitter release.
Biological role and pathway
NRXN1 is involved in the synaptic organization pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Neurological & Cognitive Function 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.
NRXN1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
NRXN1 structural variants affect synaptic connectivity, and its dysfunction may contribute to neurological and cognitive symptoms 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 NRXN1 gene have been studied in relation to neuroplasticity and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs10490162— NRXN1 variant
Conditions studied in relation to NRXN1
Research into NRXN1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that NRXN1 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 NRXN1 and related genes in the neurological & cognitive function 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 Neurological & Cognitive Function pathway
NRXN1 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 NRXN1 gene and what does it do?
NRXN1 (Neurexin 1) is involved in synaptic organization. NRXN1 encodes neurexin 1, a presynaptic cell adhesion molecule essential for synapse formation and neurotransmitter release.
How may NRXN1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
NRXN1 structural variants affect synaptic connectivity, and its dysfunction may contribute to neurological and cognitive symptoms in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my NRXN1 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 NRXN1 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.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for NRXN1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation