PRKAR1A Gene
Protein Kinase CAMP-Dependent Type I Regulatory Subunit Alpha (PRKAR1A) is a gene involved in cAMP/PKA signaling regulation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in PRKAR1A 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 PRKAR1A gene?
PRKAR1A encodes protein kinase camp-dependent type i regulatory subunit alpha, a protein involved in cAMP/PKA signaling regulation. It belongs to the Signaling category and is part of the Metabolic Regulation biological cluster. PRKAR1A encodes the regulatory subunit of PKA that normally inhibits the catalytic subunit; mutations cause Carney complex.
Biological role and pathway
PRKAR1A is involved in the cAMP/PKA signaling regulation pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Metabolic Regulation 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.
PRKAR1A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
PKA signaling mediates cAMP effects on immune cells and metabolic regulation; PRKAR1A variants affecting PKA activity may influence immune cell function and neuroendocrine responses 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 PRKAR1A gene have been studied in relation to signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs2169960— PRKAR1A variant
Conditions studied in relation to PRKAR1A
Research into PRKAR1A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that PRKAR1A 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 PRKAR1A and related genes in the metabolic regulation 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 Metabolic Regulation pathway
PRKAR1A 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 PRKAR1A gene and what does it do?
PRKAR1A (Protein Kinase CAMP-Dependent Type I Regulatory Subunit Alpha) is involved in cAMP/PKA signaling regulation. PRKAR1A encodes the regulatory subunit of PKA that normally inhibits the catalytic subunit; mutations cause Carney complex.
How may PRKAR1A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
PKA signaling mediates cAMP effects on immune cells and metabolic regulation; PRKAR1A variants affecting PKA activity may influence immune cell function and neuroendocrine responses in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my PRKAR1A 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 PRKAR1A 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 PRKAR1A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Biological Chemistry