TH Gene

Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) is a gene involved in catecholamine biosynthesis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in TH 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 TH gene?

TH encodes tyrosine hydroxylase, a protein involved in catecholamine biosynthesis. It belongs to the Neurotransmitter category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. TH encodes tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Biological role and pathway

TH is involved in the catecholamine biosynthesis pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Autonomic Nervous System 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.

TH and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

TH variants affecting catecholamine production may influence autonomic tone and stress response in POTS and dysautonomia features of 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 TH gene have been studied in relation to neurotransmitter and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to TH

Research into TH variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that TH 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 TH and related genes in the autonomic nervous system 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 Autonomic Nervous System pathway

TH 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 TH gene and what does it do?

TH (Tyrosine Hydroxylase) is involved in catecholamine biosynthesis. TH encodes tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

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

TH variants affecting catecholamine production may influence autonomic tone and stress response in POTS and dysautonomia features of Long COVID.

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

  • [1]PMID: 33948838
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation