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Gene & pathway reference · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

NR3C1

NR3C1 encodes the glucocorticoid receptor, which helps tissues respond to cortisol and glucocorticoid medicines. Receptor genetics and measured cortisol levels answer different questions.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

Receiving the glucocorticoid signal

Receiving the glucocorticoid signal

NR3C1 encodes the glucocorticoid receptor, which helps tissues respond to cortisol and glucocorticoid medicines. Receptor genetics and measured cortisol levels answer different questions.

Putting the pieces together

Dr. Purser’s stress-response teaching discusses phosphatidylserine alongside nervous-system and sleep patterns. A common NR3C1 variant does not mean the brain has no cortisol receptors, and it does not establish a need for phosphatidylserine. Review steroid exposure, sleep timing and the pattern of symptoms before interpreting the genetic result.

A question to bring to your visit

Are my symptoms being assessed alongside sleep, steroid use and appropriately timed hormone testing?

Variant lookup

These names can help you find an entry on your original genetic report. Seeing a name here does not tell you whether it affects your health or whether you need treatment.

Names you may see

Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 / Glucocorticoid Receptor