FKBP5 rs4713902: What Your Genotype Means
The rs4713902 variant is an intronic single nucleotide polymorphism located within the FKBP5 gene on chromosome 6. This gene encodes a co-chaperone protein that directly regulates glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Scientific studies associate this variant with differences in baseline cortisol levels and stress physiology, though its overall clinical effect remains moderate and heavily influenced by environmental factors.
What each genotype means
Typical stress response profile
This genotype is the major allele combination for this variant. Research suggests that individuals with this profile may exhibit different stress-related physiological responses compared to those carrying the T allele, though findings regarding specific psychiatric risks remain mixed and require further study.
Carried by approximately 55% of the population based on global allele frequencies.
Intermediate stress response profile
Carrying one copy of the T allele may modulate how your body regulates the stress hormone system. Some studies have associated this variant with variations in psychiatric risk, but these associations are complex and influenced by environmental factors; please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns regarding stress or mental health.
Carried by approximately 37% of the population based on global allele frequencies.
Altered stress response profile
This genotype has been investigated for its potential role in modulating glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and stress reactivity. While some research links this variant to increased susceptibility to certain psychiatric conditions, these associations are not diagnostic and depend heavily on individual life history and environmental context.
Carried by approximately 8% of the population based on global allele frequencies.
Genomic Location and Variant Biology
The single nucleotide polymorphism rs4713902 represents a single base-pair change occurring within an intronic region of the FKBP5 gene, situated on the short arm of chromosome 6 (chr6:35646249 in reference coordinates). Because it is located in an intron rather than a protein-coding exon, rs4713902 does not alter the primary amino acid sequence of the resulting protein. Instead, variants within non-coding regions of FKBP5 frequently alter regulatory elements, such as hormone response elements or splicing motifs. Researchers examine rs4713902 to determine how non-coding architecture influences the transcriptional responsiveness of stress-pathway machinery.
Function of the FKBP5 Gene
FKBP5 encodes FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51), an essential co-chaperone that interacts with heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) to modulate steroid hormone signaling, most prominently the glucocorticoid receptor. When cortisol binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, FKBP5 is rapidly induced as part of an intracellular ultrashort negative feedback loop. Elevated levels of FKBP5 reduce the receptor's affinity for cortisol and slow its translocation to the cell nucleus. This mechanism prevents hyperactivation of glucocorticoid signaling, acting as an internal biological brake on the body's primary endocrine stress pathway.
Scientific Research and Evidence Strength
Published research links rs4713902 to functional variations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dynamics. Notably, human psychophysiological studies show that carriers of the minor C allele (genotypes CC and CT) tend to display significantly higher baseline cortisol levels compared to individuals with the TT genotype. Candidate gene and association studies have also explored links between rs4713902 and neuropsychiatric traits, including mood disorders and altered stress sensitivity. However, overall evidence strength remains moderate: many findings rely on candidate gene designs rather than ultra-large genome-wide association studies, and effect sizes are modest.
Population Frequency and Allele Patterns
The alleles of rs4713902 are distributed across global populations, with T functioning as the major reference allele and C serving as the minor allele. Large reference panels, such as the 1000 Genomes Project and gnomAD, indicate that the minor C allele occurs at a frequency of roughly 28% across global cohorts. In European ancestry populations, the C allele frequency typically ranges around 35%. Consequently, the TT genotype is the most prevalent globally, while heterozygous CT individuals are common and homozygous CC individuals represent a smaller demographic subset.
What Readers Can and Cannot Do With This Information
Learning your rs4713902 genotype provides an educational glimpse into how subtle genetic variations can modulate neuroendocrine feedback, but it does not diagnose any psychiatric disorder, medical condition, or adrenal dysfunction. Stress reactivity is highly polygenic and shaped predominantly by environmental factors, developmental history, and lifestyle. Genetic results should never be used to self-prescribe supplements or alter medications; readers taking glucocorticoids or psychiatric treatments should discuss their medical care exclusively with a qualified physician or pharmacist.
How common is this variant?
The minor C allele occurs at a frequency of approximately 28% in global reference panels and around 35% in populations of European ancestry, making the homozygous TT genotype the most frequent worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biological role of the FKBP5 gene?
The FKBP5 gene produces a co-chaperone protein that binds to glucocorticoid receptors in cells. By regulating how sensitive these receptors are to cortisol, FKBP5 helps control the magnitude and duration of the body's biological stress response.
Does carrying the C allele for rs4713902 mean I have high stress?
No. While studies show that carriers of the C allele have statistically higher baseline cortisol levels in laboratory settings, this does not equate to clinical stress, anxiety, or illness. Perceived stress is heavily influenced by life events, sleep, social support, and overall physical health.
Can rs4713902 be used to diagnose a medical condition?
No, this single nucleotide polymorphism is not a diagnostic marker for any medical or psychological condition. Clinical diagnoses require comprehensive evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional.
Does this genetic variant affect how I respond to steroid medications?
Because FKBP5 influences glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity, researchers are investigating its role in individual responses to steroid drugs. However, current pharmacogenomic guidelines do not recommend altering medication regimens based on rs4713902; always consult your doctor or pharmacist about dosing.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/9/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs4713902?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants in FKBP5
This intronic variant in the FKBP5 gene modulates glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and is linked to altered stress reactivity and susceptibility to psychiatric conditions like PTSD and depression.
Intronic variant in FKBP5; while FKBP5 is a well-established stress-response gene, specific associations for rs4713919 with HPA axis dynamics are less robustly replicated than other variants like rs1360780.
Modulates FKBP5 chaperone expression and alters glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and negative feedback regulation of the HPA axis.
Regulatory variant in FKBP5 affecting glucocorticoid receptor chaperone activity and susceptibility to stress-related neuropsychiatric outcomes.
Intronic regulatory variant within FKBP5 linked to altered glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and acute cortisol response following psychosocial stress.
Functional polymorphism in FKBP5 that modulates ultradian and stress-induced cortisol secretion and alters recovery trajectories following acute psychological stress.