PCCA Gene
Propionyl-CoA Carboxylase Subunit Alpha (PCCA) is a gene involved in propionate metabolism / mitochondrial metabolism that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in PCCA 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 PCCA gene?
PCCA encodes propionyl-coa carboxylase subunit alpha, a protein involved in propionate metabolism / mitochondrial metabolism. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. PCCA encodes the alpha subunit of propionyl-CoA carboxylase, which converts propionyl-CoA to methylmalonyl-CoA in mitochondria.
Biological role and pathway
PCCA is involved in the propionate metabolism / mitochondrial metabolism 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.
PCCA and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Propionate metabolism intersects with B12 and methylmalonyl-CoA pathways; variants may affect organic acid metabolism and mitochondrial function 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 PCCA gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs1801186— PCCA variant
Conditions studied in relation to PCCA
Research into PCCA variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that PCCA 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 PCCA 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
PCCA 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 PCCA gene and what does it do?
PCCA (Propionyl-CoA Carboxylase Subunit Alpha) is involved in propionate metabolism / mitochondrial metabolism. PCCA encodes the alpha subunit of propionyl-CoA carboxylase, which converts propionyl-CoA to methylmalonyl-CoA in mitochondria.
How may PCCA gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Propionate metabolism intersects with B12 and methylmalonyl-CoA pathways; variants may affect organic acid metabolism and mitochondrial function in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my PCCA 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 PCCA 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 PCCA. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34316049
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Metabolism