NR3C1 Gene
Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 (Glucocorticoid Receptor) (NR3C1) is a gene involved in glucocorticoid / HPA axis signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in NR3C1 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 NR3C1 gene?
NR3C1 encodes nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group c member 1 (glucocorticoid receptor), a protein involved in glucocorticoid / HPA axis signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. NR3C1 encodes the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which mediates the anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects of cortisol.
Biological role and pathway
NR3C1 is involved in the glucocorticoid / HPA axis signaling 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.
NR3C1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity affects the HPA axis stress response and immune regulation; NR3C1 variants may influence Long COVID symptoms including fatigue and immune dysregulation.
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 NR3C1 gene have been studied in relation to immune signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs6196— NR3C1 variant
- rs6189— NR3C1 variant
- rs41423247— NR3C1 variant
Conditions studied in relation to NR3C1
Research into NR3C1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that NR3C1 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 NR3C1 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
NR3C1 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 NR3C1 gene and what does it do?
NR3C1 (Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 (Glucocorticoid Receptor)) is involved in glucocorticoid / HPA axis signaling. NR3C1 encodes the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which mediates the anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects of cortisol.
How may NR3C1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity affects the HPA axis stress response and immune regulation; NR3C1 variants may influence Long COVID symptoms including fatigue and immune dysregulation.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my NR3C1 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 NR3C1 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 NR3C1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Psychoneuroendocrinology