FKBP5 rs4713919: Understanding This Stress-Response Variant
The rs4713919 variant is a single-nucleotide polymorphism located within the FKBP5 gene, which plays a critical role in regulating the body's stress response. While FKBP5 is well-studied, current research indicates that the specific associations between rs4713919 and stress-related outcomes are less robustly established than those of other known variants in the same gene.
What each genotype means
Typical HPA Axis Baseline
You carry two copies of the common A allele for the rs4713919 variant in the FKBP5 gene. In published neuroendocrine research, this genotype represents the standard baseline profile for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation and typical glucocorticoid negative feedback. Current scientific evidence connecting this specific single nucleotide variant directly to clinical psychiatric outcomes remains limited and non-diagnostic.
Carried by approximately 38% to 42% of individuals globally, being most frequent in populations of African and East Asian ancestry.
Moderate Stress Reactivity Variation
You carry one copy of the G alternate allele and one copy of the common A allele at rs4713919. Variants in FKBP5 have been investigated for modest shifts in cortisol sensitivity and psychological stress response, often acting in concert with early-life stress exposure. Because the clinical evidence specifically isolating rs4713919 is limited and findings across populations are mixed, this carrier status reflects an exploratory statistical association rather than a certainty.
Carried by approximately 45% to 48% of individuals across diverse global populations.
Altered Stress Response Profile
You carry two copies of the G alternate allele at rs4713919 in the FKBP5 gene. Studies on FKBP5 polymorphisms suggest that homozygosity for alternate alleles may be linked to altered glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and modified cortisol recovery following acute stress. However, published evidence for this exact variant is limited, and these findings indicate statistical neuroendocrine differences rather than a definitive predisposition to any health condition.
Carried by approximately 12% to 15% of people globally, with a minor allele frequency of roughly 0.37.
What is rs4713919?
The rs4713919 variant is a specific genetic change, or single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), found within the FKBP5 gene. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence. This particular variant is located in an intronic region of the gene, meaning it sits within a non-coding section of the DNA that does not directly provide instructions for building a protein. However, intronic variants can still influence how a gene is expressed or regulated. Because rs4713919 is located within the FKBP5 gene, researchers have investigated whether it might influence the gene's function, particularly regarding how the body manages stress. It is important to note that while many variants exist within the human genome, only a small fraction have a known, significant impact on health or biological function.
The Role of the FKBP5 Gene
The FKBP5 gene provides instructions for creating a protein known as FK506 binding protein 51. This protein acts as a co-chaperone, meaning it helps other proteins fold correctly and function properly. One of its most vital roles is acting as a negative regulator of the glucocorticoid receptor. The glucocorticoid receptor is the primary driver of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body's main system for responding to stress. By binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, the FKBP5 protein helps modulate the sensitivity of this system, effectively acting as a 'brake' on the stress response. When this system functions normally, it allows the body to return to a state of balance after a stressful event. Dysregulation of this gene can potentially alter how an individual responds to stress, which is why it is a frequent subject of psychiatric and physiological research.
Scientific Evidence and Associations
Research into FKBP5 has identified several variants linked to stress-related disorders and antidepressant response. However, the evidence for rs4713919 is considered limited. While other variants in the FKBP5 gene, such as rs1360780, have been more consistently associated with HPA axis dynamics and treatment outcomes in various studies, rs4713919 lacks the same level of robust, replicated evidence. Scientific studies often look for correlations between specific genotypes and clinical traits, but these findings can be influenced by factors like ancestry, sample size, and environmental interactions. Because the current literature does not provide a definitive, widely accepted link between rs4713919 and specific health outcomes, it is categorized as having limited evidence. Readers should be cautious about interpreting this variant as a predictor of health, as the scientific community has not reached a consensus on its functional significance.
Population Frequency
According to data from the genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), the minor allele frequency for rs4713919 is approximately 0.37 in global populations. This indicates that the variant is relatively common across diverse ancestral groups. Allele frequencies can vary significantly between different populations, and these differences are important for researchers to consider when conducting genetic studies. A higher frequency suggests that the variant is not rare, but frequency alone does not determine whether a variant has a biological effect. Understanding the distribution of such variants helps scientists design better studies and interpret genetic data more accurately across different human populations.
What This Information Means for You
Genetic information can be complex, and it is important to understand what you can and cannot do with data regarding variants like rs4713919. This information is intended for educational purposes and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or manage any medical condition. Because the evidence for this specific variant is limited, it does not currently serve as a reliable clinical tool for predicting stress responses or medication efficacy. If you are concerned about your mental health, stress levels, or how you respond to medications, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide personalized guidance based on your clinical history and current medical standards. Never make changes to your medication or treatment plan based on genetic test results without first discussing them with your clinician.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele frequency for rs4713919 is approximately 0.37 globally, indicating that the variant is common across various ancestral populations.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs4713919 a risk factor for depression?
While some variants in the FKBP5 gene have been studied in relation to depression, the evidence for rs4713919 is limited. There is no robust scientific consensus that this specific variant acts as a significant risk factor for depression.
Can I use this SNP to choose an antidepressant?
No. You should never use genetic information from this variant to select or adjust antidepressant medication. Always discuss medication choices and dosing with your psychiatrist or pharmacist.
What does it mean if my test says I have the G allele?
The G allele is a common variation of the rs4713919 SNP found in many healthy individuals. It is not a diagnostic marker and does not indicate a specific health condition or disease risk.
Where can I find more information on FKBP5?
You can explore resources like the NCBI Gene database or MedlinePlus Genetics for general information on the FKBP5 gene. These platforms provide peer-reviewed summaries of gene functions and their roles in human biology.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/11/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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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.
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.
A well-characterized non-coding FKBP5 tag variant linked with altered cortisol awakening response and susceptibility to stress-induced anxiety disorders.