PDE5A Gene

Phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) is a gene involved in cGMP signaling and vasodilation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in PDE5A 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 PDE5A gene?

PDE5A encodes phosphodiesterase 5a, a protein involved in cGMP signaling and vasodilation. It belongs to the Vascular category and is part of the Coagulation & Microcirculation biological cluster. PDE5A encodes phosphodiesterase-5, which degrades cGMP in vascular smooth muscle, counteracting NO-driven vasodilation.

Biological role and pathway

PDE5A is involved in the cGMP signaling and vasodilation pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Coagulation & Microcirculation 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.

PDE5A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

PDE5 inhibitors are being investigated in Long COVID for their vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic properties; variants may affect treatment response.

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 PDE5A gene have been studied in relation to vascular and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to PDE5A

Research into PDE5A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that PDE5A 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 PDE5A and related genes in the coagulation & microcirculation 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 Coagulation & Microcirculation pathway

PDE5A 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 PDE5A gene and what does it do?

PDE5A (Phosphodiesterase 5A) is involved in cGMP signaling and vasodilation. PDE5A encodes phosphodiesterase-5, which degrades cGMP in vascular smooth muscle, counteracting NO-driven vasodilation.

How may PDE5A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

PDE5 inhibitors are being investigated in Long COVID for their vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic properties; variants may affect treatment response.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my PDE5A 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 PDE5A 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 PDE5A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32734001
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation