TXNRD2 Gene
Thioredoxin Reductase 2 (TXNRD2) is a gene involved in mitochondrial thioredoxin antioxidant system that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in TXNRD2 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 TXNRD2 gene?
TXNRD2 encodes thioredoxin reductase 2, a protein involved in mitochondrial thioredoxin antioxidant system. It belongs to the Oxidative Stress category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. TXNRD2 encodes the mitochondria-specific thioredoxin reductase that maintains the mitochondrial thioredoxin system.
Biological role and pathway
TXNRD2 is involved in the mitochondrial thioredoxin antioxidant system 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.
TXNRD2 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
TXNRD2 mitochondrial antioxidant activity may be compromised in Long COVID, worsening mitochondrial oxidative damage and fatigue.
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 TXNRD2 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.
- rs5748469— TXNRD2 variant
Conditions studied in relation to TXNRD2
Research into TXNRD2 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that TXNRD2 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 TXNRD2 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
TXNRD2 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 TXNRD2 gene and what does it do?
TXNRD2 (Thioredoxin Reductase 2) is involved in mitochondrial thioredoxin antioxidant system. TXNRD2 encodes the mitochondria-specific thioredoxin reductase that maintains the mitochondrial thioredoxin system.
How may TXNRD2 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
TXNRD2 mitochondrial antioxidant activity may be compromised in Long COVID, worsening mitochondrial oxidative damage and fatigue.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my TXNRD2 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 TXNRD2 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.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for TXNRD2. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 25122754
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation