WNT5A Gene
Wnt Family Member 5A (WNT5A) is a gene involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling / inflammation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in WNT5A 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 WNT5A gene?
WNT5A encodes wnt family member 5a, a protein involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling / inflammation. It belongs to the Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. WNT5A encodes a Wnt ligand that activates non-canonical Wnt/ROR2 signaling, promoting macrophage inflammatory activation.
Biological role and pathway
WNT5A is involved in the non-canonical Wnt signaling / inflammation pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Immune System & Inflammation 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.
WNT5A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
WNT5A drives macrophage pro-inflammatory activation; elevated WNT5A in COVID-19 may contribute to macrophage hyperactivation and the inflammatory milieu 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 WNT5A gene have been studied in relation to signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs566926— WNT5A variant
Conditions studied in relation to WNT5A
Research into WNT5A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that WNT5A 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 WNT5A and related genes in the immune system & inflammation 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 Immune System & Inflammation pathway
WNT5A 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 WNT5A gene and what does it do?
WNT5A (Wnt Family Member 5A) is involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling / inflammation. WNT5A encodes a Wnt ligand that activates non-canonical Wnt/ROR2 signaling, promoting macrophage inflammatory activation.
How may WNT5A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
WNT5A drives macrophage pro-inflammatory activation; elevated WNT5A in COVID-19 may contribute to macrophage hyperactivation and the inflammatory milieu of Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my WNT5A 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 WNT5A 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 WNT5A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Nature Immunology