PON1 Gene
Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a gene involved in HDL-associated antioxidant / organophosphate hydrolysis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in PON1 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 PON1 gene?
PON1 encodes paraoxonase 1, a protein involved in HDL-associated antioxidant / organophosphate hydrolysis. It belongs to the Oxidative Stress category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. PON1 encodes paraoxonase 1, an HDL-associated enzyme with antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties that hydrolyzes oxidized lipids.
Biological role and pathway
PON1 is involved in the HDL-associated antioxidant / organophosphate hydrolysis 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.
PON1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
PON1 protects against lipid oxidation and LDL oxidation; variants (Gln192Arg, Leu55Met) are associated with cardiovascular risk and oxidative stress, potentially relevant to Long COVID cardiovascular complications.
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 PON1 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 PON1
Research into PON1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that PON1 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 PON1 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
PON1 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 PON1 gene and what does it do?
PON1 (Paraoxonase 1) is involved in HDL-associated antioxidant / organophosphate hydrolysis. PON1 encodes paraoxonase 1, an HDL-associated enzyme with antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties that hydrolyzes oxidized lipids.
How may PON1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
PON1 protects against lipid oxidation and LDL oxidation; variants (Gln192Arg, Leu55Met) are associated with cardiovascular risk and oxidative stress, potentially relevant to Long COVID cardiovascular complications.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my PON1 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 PON1 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 PON1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34088393
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology