UQCRC2 Gene

Ubiquinol-Cytochrome C Reductase Core Protein 2 (UQCRC2) is a gene involved in oxidative phosphorylation Complex III that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in UQCRC2 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 UQCRC2 gene?

UQCRC2 encodes ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 2, a protein involved in oxidative phosphorylation Complex III. It belongs to the Mitochondrial category and is part of the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM biological cluster. UQCRC2 encodes a core subunit of Complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex), which transfers electrons from ubiquinol to cytochrome c.

Biological role and pathway

UQCRC2 is involved in the oxidative phosphorylation Complex III pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM 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.

UQCRC2 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Complex III variants may impair the electron transport chain and increase reactive oxygen species production in Long COVID mitochondrial dysfunction.

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 UQCRC2 gene have been studied in relation to mitochondrial and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to UQCRC2

Research into UQCRC2 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that UQCRC2 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 UQCRC2 and related genes in the mitochondrial energy production & pem 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 Mitochondrial Energy Production & PEM pathway

UQCRC2 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 UQCRC2 gene and what does it do?

UQCRC2 (Ubiquinol-Cytochrome C Reductase Core Protein 2) is involved in oxidative phosphorylation Complex III. UQCRC2 encodes a core subunit of Complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex), which transfers electrons from ubiquinol to cytochrome c.

How may UQCRC2 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Complex III variants may impair the electron transport chain and increase reactive oxygen species production in Long COVID mitochondrial dysfunction.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my UQCRC2 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 UQCRC2 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 UQCRC2. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32735956
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation