Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (Chrousos syndrome) is a rare genetic disorder of generalized, partial target-tissue insensitivity to glucocorticoids caused by inactivating variants in NR3C1, which encodes the human glucocorticoid receptor. Because peripheral tissues respond poorly to cortisol, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal negative feedback is blunted and the axis is compensatorily upregulated, raising cortisol and ACTH. The excess ACTH drives adrenal overproduction of steroids with mineralocorticoid activity (deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone) and of adrenal androgens, so affected individuals present with hypertension, hypokalemic alkalosis, and/or hyperandrogenism, together with adrenal hyperplasia, while cortisol-dependent functions are largely preserved and stigmata of Cushing's syndrome are absent. The clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic to severe; homozygous or compound-heterozygous defects present earlier and more severely than heterozygous ones. This entry covers the primary (NR3C1-based) Mendelian disorder, not acquired or tissue-specific glucocorticoid resistance seen in conditions such as asthma, inflammatory disease, or hematologic malignancy.
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Conditions with similar clinical presentations that must be differentiated from Glucocorticoid Resistance:
name: Glucocorticoid Resistance
creation_date: "2026-10-12T04:05:10Z"
category: Mendelian
synonyms:
- Chrousos syndrome
- Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance
- Generalized glucocorticoid resistance
- Familial glucocorticoid resistance
- Primary cortisol resistance
- Cortisol resistance syndrome
description: >-
Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (Chrousos syndrome) is a rare
genetic disorder of generalized, partial target-tissue insensitivity to
glucocorticoids caused by inactivating variants in NR3C1, which encodes the
human glucocorticoid receptor. Because peripheral tissues respond poorly to
cortisol, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal negative feedback is blunted and the
axis is compensatorily upregulated, raising cortisol and ACTH. The excess ACTH
drives adrenal overproduction of steroids with mineralocorticoid activity
(deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone) and of adrenal androgens, so affected
individuals present with hypertension, hypokalemic alkalosis, and/or
hyperandrogenism, together with adrenal hyperplasia, while cortisol-dependent
functions are largely preserved and stigmata of Cushing's syndrome are absent.
The clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic to severe; homozygous or
compound-heterozygous defects present earlier and more severely than
heterozygous ones. This entry covers the primary (NR3C1-based) Mendelian
disorder, not acquired or tissue-specific glucocorticoid resistance seen in
conditions such as asthma, inflammatory disease, or hematologic malignancy.
disease_term:
preferred_term: glucocorticoid resistance
term:
id: MONDO:0014421
label: glucocorticoid resistance
parents:
- Adrenogenital syndrome
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal dominant inheritance
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal dominant inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000006
label: Autosomal dominant inheritance
description: >-
Heterozygous NR3C1 variants that exert a dominant-negative effect on the
wild-type receptor cause autosomal dominant disease; the I747M ligand-binding
domain variant is a worked example.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12050230
reference_title: A novel, C-terminal dominant negative mutation of the GR causes familial glucocorticoid resistance through abnormal interactions with p160 steroid receptor coactivators.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
directness: DIRECT
snippet: We conclude that the mutation at amino acid 747 of the GR causes familial, autosomal dominant glucocorticoid resistance by decreasing ligand binding affinity and transcriptional activity, and by exerting a negative transdominant effect on the wild-type receptor.
explanation: Establishes a dominant-negative, autosomal dominant mechanism for an NR3C1 ligand-binding-domain variant.
- name: Autosomal recessive inheritance
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal recessive inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000007
label: Autosomal recessive inheritance
description: >-
NR3C1 variants that do not exert a dominant-negative effect transmit
recessively; homozygous or compound-heterozygous defects produce the most
severe, early-onset presentations.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15070967
reference_title: 'Natural glucocorticoid receptor mutants causing generalized glucocorticoid resistance: molecular genotype, genetic transmission, and clinical phenotype.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
directness: DIRECT
snippet: each of the above hGRalpha mutations imparts different functional defects upon the glucocorticoid signal transduction pathway, which explains the autosomal recessive or dominant transmission of the disorder
explanation: Functional differences among mutant receptors account for both recessive and dominant transmission.
pathophysiology:
- name: NR3C1 Inactivating Variant
description: >-
Point mutations, insertions, or deletions in NR3C1 impair the human
glucocorticoid receptor. All reported Chrousos syndrome cases to date carry
an NR3C1 defect.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
genetic_context:
variant_origin: GERMLINE
functional_impact_category: LOSS_OF_FUNCTION
genes:
- preferred_term: NR3C1
term:
id: hgnc:7978
label: NR3C1
molecular_functions:
- preferred_term: nuclear glucocorticoid receptor activity
modifier: DECREASED
term:
id: GO:0004883
label: nuclear glucocorticoid receptor activity
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31588529
reference_title: Glucocorticoid Resistance.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: It is characterized by generalized, partial tissue insensitivity to glucocorticoids caused by genetic defects in the NR3C1 gene.
explanation: Attributes the disorder to NR3C1 defects.
- reference: PMID:25715669
reference_title: 'Chrousos syndrome: from molecular pathogenesis to therapeutic management.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: All reported cases have been associated with point mutations or deletions in the NR3C1 gene.
explanation: Confirms NR3C1 as the sole established cause.
downstream:
- target: Impaired Glucocorticoid Receptor Signal Transduction
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:18319312
reference_title: 'Generalized glucocorticoid resistance: clinical aspects, molecular mechanisms, and implications of a rare genetic disorder.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The molecular basis of the condition has been ascribed to mutations in the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) gene, which impair glucocorticoid signal transduction and reduce tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids.
explanation: Links the NR3C1 variant to impaired receptor signal transduction.
- name: Impaired Glucocorticoid Receptor Signal Transduction
description: >-
Mutant receptors show reduced ligand-binding affinity, reduced
transactivation of glucocorticoid-responsive genes, delayed nuclear
translocation, and abnormal coactivator interaction. DNA-binding is usually
preserved.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: nuclear receptor-mediated glucocorticoid signaling pathway
term:
id: GO:0042921
label: nuclear receptor-mediated glucocorticoid signaling pathway
modifier: DECREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15070967
reference_title: 'Natural glucocorticoid receptor mutants causing generalized glucocorticoid resistance: molecular genotype, genetic transmission, and clinical phenotype.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
directness: DIRECT
snippet: All five mutants studied demonstrate varying degrees of decreased affinity for the ligand in a standard dexamethasone binding assay, but preserve their ability to bind DNA.
explanation: Reduced ligand affinity with preserved DNA binding across mutant receptors.
- reference: PMID:15070967
reference_title: 'Natural glucocorticoid receptor mutants causing generalized glucocorticoid resistance: molecular genotype, genetic transmission, and clinical phenotype.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The nondominant negative mutants, hGRalphaV571A, D641V, and V729I, show delayed translocation into the nucleus after exposure to ligand.
explanation: Documents delayed nuclear translocation of mutant receptors.
downstream:
- target: Generalized Target-Tissue Glucocorticoid Insensitivity
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Generalized Target-Tissue Glucocorticoid Insensitivity
description: >-
Reduced receptor signaling leaves all glucocorticoid-responsive tissues
partially insensitive to cortisol.
biological_scale: CELLULAR
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: cellular response to glucocorticoid stimulus
term:
id: GO:0071385
label: cellular response to glucocorticoid stimulus
modifier: DECREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31588529
reference_title: Glucocorticoid Resistance.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance or Chrousos syndrome is a rare disorder, which affects all tissues expressing the human glucocorticoid receptor.
explanation: Describes generalized tissue insensitivity.
downstream:
- target: Blunted HPA-Axis Negative Feedback
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Hypoglycemia
description: >-
In neonates and young children with complete resistance, reduced
glucocorticoid action in the liver can cause severe hypoglycemia.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: In neonates and young children, severe hypoglycemia and loss of consciousness due to reduced actions of glucocorticoids in the liver may be present as initial manifestations in addition to hypertension and/or genital abnormalities.
explanation: Links hepatic glucocorticoid insensitivity to neonatal hypoglycemia.
- name: Blunted HPA-Axis Negative Feedback
description: >-
Target-tissue insensitivity extends to the hypothalamus and pituitary, so
cortisol fails to suppress CRH and ACTH normally. This is demonstrated
clinically as resistance to dexamethasone suppression.
biological_scale: ORGANISM
evidence:
- reference: PMID:6282933
reference_title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Plasma ACTH concentration was high, and both were resistant to adrenal suppression by dexamethasone.
explanation: Demonstrates failure of glucocorticoid negative feedback.
downstream:
- target: Compensatory HPA-Axis Activation
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Compensatory HPA-Axis Activation
description: >-
The axis is upregulated to overcome peripheral resistance, raising CRH, ACTH,
and cortisol. Cortisol rises until it partially overcomes the resistance, at
the expense of ACTH hypersecretion-related pathology.
biological_scale: ORGANISM
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: corticotropin-releasing hormone secretion
term:
id: GO:0043396
label: corticotropin-releasing hormone secretion
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:18319312
reference_title: 'Generalized glucocorticoid resistance: clinical aspects, molecular mechanisms, and implications of a rare genetic disorder.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: A consequent increase in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis compensates for the reduced sensitivity of peripheral tissues to glucocorticoids at the expense of ACTH hypersecretion-related pathology.
explanation: Describes compensatory HPA-axis activation and ACTH hypersecretion.
downstream:
- target: Adrenal Steroidogenesis Stimulation
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Increased circulating cortisol level
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Increased circulating ACTH level
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Adrenal Steroidogenesis Stimulation
description: >-
Hypersecreted ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to overproduce steroids with
mineralocorticoid activity and adrenal androgens, in addition to cortisol, and
drives adrenal growth.
biological_scale: TISSUE
locations:
- preferred_term: adrenal cortex
term:
id: UBERON:0001235
label: adrenal cortex
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: positive regulation of steroid hormone secretion
term:
id: GO:2000833
label: positive regulation of steroid hormone secretion
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: hyper-secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates production of adrenal mineralocorticoids and/or androgens in addition to the glucocorticoid cortisol
explanation: ACTH drives adrenal overproduction of mineralocorticoids and androgens.
downstream:
- target: Mineralocorticoid Excess
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Adrenal Androgen Excess
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Adrenal hyperplasia
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30006372
reference_title: 'Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and NR3C1 mutations causing glucocorticoid resistance: Is there an association?'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: One of the clinical manifestations of this rare endocrine condition is bilateral adrenal hyperplasia due to compensatory elevations of plasma ACTH concentrations.
explanation: Links chronic ACTH drive to adrenal hyperplasia.
- name: Mineralocorticoid Excess
description: >-
Elevated deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone, together with cortisol
spillover onto the mineralocorticoid receptor, produce a mineralocorticoid
excess state with low renin.
biological_scale: ORGANISM
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: nuclear receptor-mediated mineralocorticoid signaling pathway
term:
id: GO:0031959
label: nuclear receptor-mediated mineralocorticoid signaling pathway
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:6282933
reference_title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The father appeared to have mineralocorticoid excess resulting in hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. This was found to be due to markedly elevated plasma levels of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone.
explanation: First kindred demonstrating mineralocorticoid excess from DOC and corticosterone.
downstream:
- target: Hypertension
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Hypokalemia
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Metabolic alkalosis
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Adrenal Androgen Excess
description: >-
Chronic ACTH drive raises adrenal androgens, producing signs of
hyperandrogenism.
biological_scale: ORGANISM
evidence:
- reference: PMID:1704018
reference_title: Point mutation causing a single amino acid substitution in the hormone binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor in familial glucocorticoid resistance.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Familial glucocorticoid resistance is a hypertensive, hyperandrogenic disorder characterized by increased serum cortisol concentrations in the absence of stigmata of Cushing's syndrome.
explanation: Characterizes the disorder as hyperandrogenic.
- reference: PMID:41038576
reference_title: 'Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Their Relationships.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The most frequent clinical manifestations were symptoms of androgen excess (43.3%), followed by mineralocorticoid excess (38.8%) and glucocorticoid deficiency (14.9%).
explanation: Androgen excess is the most frequent manifestation across the pooled cohort, quantifying this node.
downstream:
- target: Signs of androgen excess
causal_link_type: DIRECT
phenotypes:
- name: Hypertension
category: Cardiovascular
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypertension
term:
id: HP:0000822
label: Hypertension
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: these patients develop hypertension and/or signs of hyperandrogenism, because hyper-secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates production of adrenal mineralocorticoids and/or androgens
explanation: Hypertension from ACTH-driven mineralocorticoid excess is a core manifestation.
- name: Hypokalemia
category: Metabolic
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypokalemia
term:
id: HP:0002900
label: Hypokalemia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:6282933
reference_title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The father appeared to have mineralocorticoid excess resulting in hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis.
explanation: Hypokalemia reported in the first kindred.
- name: Metabolic alkalosis
category: Metabolic
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Metabolic alkalosis
term:
id: HP:0200114
label: Metabolic alkalosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:6282933
reference_title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The father appeared to have mineralocorticoid excess resulting in hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis.
explanation: Metabolic alkalosis reported in the first kindred.
- name: Signs of androgen excess
category: Endocrine
description: >-
Clinical androgen excess driven by the ACTH-stimulated rise in adrenal
androgens. The sources name the category and its frequency rather than each
individual sign, and HPO has no clinical hyperandrogenism term, so this is
bound to the laboratory androgen term and the preferred_term carries the
clinical meaning.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Signs of androgen excess
term:
id: HP:0030348
label: Increased circulating androgen concentration
frequency: FREQUENT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41038576
reference_title: 'Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Their Relationships.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The most frequent clinical manifestations were symptoms of androgen excess (43.3%), followed by mineralocorticoid excess (38.8%) and glucocorticoid deficiency (14.9%).
explanation: Androgen excess is the most frequent manifestation at 43.3% of the pooled cases, which supports both the phenotype and the FREQUENT band.
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: these patients develop hypertension and/or signs of hyperandrogenism, because hyper-secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates production of adrenal mineralocorticoids and/or androgens
explanation: Attributes the signs of hyperandrogenism to ACTH-driven adrenal androgen production.
- name: Fatigue
category: Constitutional
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Fatigue
term:
id: HP:0012378
label: Fatigue
evidence:
- reference: PMID:18319312
reference_title: 'Generalized glucocorticoid resistance: clinical aspects, molecular mechanisms, and implications of a rare genetic disorder.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: ranging from asymptomatic to severe cases of hyperandrogenism, fatigue, and/or mineralocorticoid excess
explanation: Fatigue is named directly in the reported clinical spectrum.
- name: Adrenal hyperplasia
category: Endocrine
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Adrenal hyperplasia
term:
id: HP:0008221
label: Adrenal hyperplasia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41038576
reference_title: 'Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Their Relationships.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Adrenal computed tomography revealed hyperplasia or adenomas in 68.8% of evaluated patients.
explanation: Adrenal hyperplasia or adenoma frequency from a systematic review of 71 cases.
- name: Increased circulating cortisol level
category: Laboratory
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Increased circulating cortisol level
term:
id: HP:0003118
label: Increased circulating cortisol level
evidence:
- reference: PMID:6282933
reference_title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: high 24-h mean plasma cortisol levels (27.4 micrograms/dl) and no stigmata of Cushing's syndrome
explanation: Elevated plasma cortisol without Cushingoid stigmata.
- name: Increased circulating ACTH level
category: Laboratory
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Increased circulating ACTH level
term:
id: HP:0003154
label: Increased circulating ACTH level
evidence:
- reference: PMID:6282933
reference_title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Plasma ACTH concentration was high, and both were resistant to adrenal suppression by dexamethasone.
explanation: Elevated plasma ACTH reported in the first kindred.
- name: Hypoglycemia
category: Metabolic
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypoglycemia
term:
id: HP:0001943
label: Hypoglycemia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:19933394
reference_title: Neonatal complete generalized glucocorticoid resistance and growth hormone deficiency caused by a novel homozygous mutation in Helix 12 of the ligand binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1).
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The patient presented on the first day of life with profound hypoglycemia.
explanation: Neonatal hypoglycemia in complete generalized glucocorticoid resistance.
genetic:
- name: NR3C1
association: Inactivating germline variants in NR3C1 (point mutations, insertions, deletions)
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
gene_term:
preferred_term: NR3C1
term:
id: hgnc:7978
label: NR3C1
notes: >-
NR3C1 is the only established cause of primary generalized glucocorticoid
resistance. Some patients with a compatible phenotype carry no detectable
NR3C1 variant, and other glucocorticoid-signaling factors are suspected in
those cases. Dominant-negative ligand-binding-domain variants transmit as
autosomal dominant; others transmit recessively, so inheritance and severity
depend on the specific functional defect. No ClinGen gene-disease validity
assertion exists for this gene-disease pair, so no gene_disease_validity is
recorded.
variants:
- name: D641V
description: >-
Valine for aspartate at residue 641 in the ligand-binding domain, the first
NR3C1 point mutation identified in this disorder; it reduces ligand-binding
affinity and transactivation without a dominant-negative effect.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:1704018
reference_title: Point mutation causing a single amino acid substitution in the hormone binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor in familial glucocorticoid resistance.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: which substituted valine for aspartic acid at amino acid residue 641. The propositus was homozygous while the other relatives were heterozygous for the mutation.
explanation: Identifies the D641V ligand-binding-domain substitution and its zygosity from sequencing the first reported kindred.
- reference: PMID:1704018
reference_title: Point mutation causing a single amino acid substitution in the hormone binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor in familial glucocorticoid resistance.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The binding affinity for dexamethasone of the Val 641-mutant receptor was threefold lower than that of the wild type receptor.
explanation: Reduced ligand-binding affinity of the mutant receptor.
- name: I747M
description: >-
Isoleucine to methionine at residue 747 near helix 12 of the ligand-binding
domain; it decreases ligand binding and transactivation and acts as a
dominant-negative inhibitor of the wild-type receptor via abnormal p160
coactivator interaction.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12050230
reference_title: A novel, C-terminal dominant negative mutation of the GR causes familial glucocorticoid resistance through abnormal interactions with p160 steroid receptor coactivators.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the mutant GR functioned as a dominant negative inhibitor of wild-type receptor-induced transactivation
explanation: Establishes the dominant-negative behavior of the I747M variant.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28742501
reference_title: Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying generalized glucocorticoid resistance and hypersensitivity syndromes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Any genetic defects in the NR3C1gene that encodes the hGR may cause Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance or Hypersensitivity Syndromes
explanation: Establishes NR3C1 defects as the cause of the disorder.
- reference: PMID:28742501
reference_title: Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying generalized glucocorticoid resistance and hypersensitivity syndromes.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: there are patients who present with clinical manifestations suggestive of the above syndromes and do not harbor an inactivating or activating point mutation, insertion or deletion in the NR3C1gene
explanation: Supports the note that some compatible phenotypes lack an NR3C1 variant.
biochemical:
- name: Serum cortisol
context: >-
Mean plasma cortisol and 24-hour urinary free cortisol are elevated, but the
normal diurnal rhythm is preserved and there are no Cushingoid features.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Affected subjects demonstrate elevation of serum cortisol without Cushingoid manifestations, as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is upregulated to compensate for the reduced action of this steroid in local tissues.
explanation: Elevated cortisol with preserved axis compensation and no Cushingoid signs.
prevalence:
- population: Worldwide
measure_type: CASES_IN_LITERATURE
prevalence_class: ULTRA_RARE
notes: >-
A 2026 systematic review assembled 71 cases from 43 unrelated families
encompassing 39 distinct NR3C1 mutations; the condition is described as a rare
genetic disorder.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41038576
reference_title: 'Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Their Relationships.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: 71 cases from 43 unrelated families were analyzed, encompassing 39 distinct NR3C1 mutations.
explanation: Reported case/family count supporting ultra-rare classification.
diagnosis:
- name: Endocrine evaluation and NR3C1 sequencing
description: >-
Diagnosis rests on elevated diurnal serum cortisol and plasma ACTH with
preserved circadian rhythm, elevated 24-hour urinary free cortisol,
resistance to dexamethasone suppression, and absence of Cushingoid stigmata,
confirmed by NR3C1 sequencing and functional characterization of the variant.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: Genetic testing
term:
id: NCIT:C15709
label: Genetic Testing
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The diagnosis of this syndrome should be confirmed by sequencing of the NR3C1 gene including exon/intron junctions and subsequent validation of functional defects of the mutated receptors.
explanation: Molecular confirmation by NR3C1 sequencing plus functional validation.
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: determination of the 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion to identify upregulation of the HPA axis with preservation of the normal circadian rhythmicity
explanation: Describes the biochemical diagnostic workup.
differential_diagnoses:
- name: Cushing syndrome
description: >-
Cushing syndrome also presents with hypercortisolism but with Cushingoid
stigmata and suppressible or autonomous cortisol; glucocorticoid resistance is
distinguished by the absence of Cushingoid features despite high cortisol.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:6282933
reference_title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
directness: DIRECT
snippet: high 24-h mean plasma cortisol levels (27.4 micrograms/dl) and no stigmata of Cushing's syndrome
explanation: Hypercortisolism without Cushingoid stigmata distinguishes it from Cushing syndrome.
treatments:
- name: High-dose dexamethasone
description: >-
High doses of a mineralocorticoid-sparing synthetic glucocorticoid
(dexamethasone) stimulate the mutant and/or wild-type receptor and suppress
endogenous ACTH, reducing adrenal overproduction of mineralocorticoids and
androgens.
therapeutic_modality: SMALL_MOLECULE
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: dexamethasone
term:
id: CHEBI:41879
label: dexamethasone
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Treatment involves administration of high doses of mineralocorticoid activity-sparing pure glucocorticoids like dexamethasone, which stimulate the mutant and/or the wild-type hGR, and suppress the endogenous secretion of ACTH and adrenal steroids in the affected subjects.
explanation: Describes the standard dexamethasone treatment and its mechanism.
target_mechanisms:
- target: Compensatory HPA-Axis Activation
description: Dexamethasone suppresses the upregulated HPA axis and ACTH hypersecretion.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:25905168
reference_title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: suppress the endogenous secretion of ACTH and adrenal steroids in the affected subjects
explanation: Treatment acts by suppressing ACTH hypersecretion.
references:
- reference: PMID:6282933
title: Primary cortisol resistance in man. A glucocorticoid receptor-mediated disease.
- reference: PMID:1704018
title: Point mutation causing a single amino acid substitution in the hormone binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor in familial glucocorticoid resistance.
- reference: PMID:12050230
title: A novel, C-terminal dominant negative mutation of the GR causes familial glucocorticoid resistance through abnormal interactions with p160 steroid receptor coactivators.
- reference: PMID:15070967
title: 'Natural glucocorticoid receptor mutants causing generalized glucocorticoid resistance: molecular genotype, genetic transmission, and clinical phenotype.'
- reference: PMID:18319312
title: 'Generalized glucocorticoid resistance: clinical aspects, molecular mechanisms, and implications of a rare genetic disorder.'
- reference: PMID:19933394
title: Neonatal complete generalized glucocorticoid resistance and growth hormone deficiency caused by a novel homozygous mutation in Helix 12 of the ligand binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1).
- reference: PMID:25715669
title: 'Chrousos syndrome: from molecular pathogenesis to therapeutic management.'
- reference: PMID:25905168
title: Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome.
- reference: PMID:28742501
title: Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying generalized glucocorticoid resistance and hypersensitivity syndromes.
- reference: PMID:29444898
title: 'Significant prevalence of NR3C1 mutations in incidentally discovered bilateral adrenal hyperplasia: results of the French MUTA-GR Study.'
- reference: PMID:30006372
title: 'Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and NR3C1 mutations causing glucocorticoid resistance: Is there an association?'
- reference: PMID:31588529
title: Glucocorticoid Resistance.
- reference: PMID:41038576
title: 'Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Their Relationships.'
notes: >-
Zygosity shapes severity: a 2026 systematic review found homozygous or
compound-heterozygous cases present earlier and with markedly higher rates of
hypertension and hypokalemia than heterozygous cases. Heterozygous NR3C1
variants are more common than once thought; the French MUTA-GR study found a 5%
prevalence of heterozygous NR3C1 mutations among patients with bilateral
adrenal incidentalomas and biochemical hypercortisolism without Cushing's
signs. No GeneReviews chapter exists for this disorder (the only Bookshelf hit
for "glucocorticoid" in the cached index is StatPearls NBK560897, a general
glucocorticoid physiology chapter, which is not a disease baseline). Acquired
or tissue-specific glucocorticoid resistance (asthma, inflammatory disease,
glucocorticoid-resistant leukemia) is a distinct entity and is out of scope
here.
Deep research results are used as seeds for research; they do not undergo the same validation as the main records and may contain errors. How we use deep research.
Create: Glucocorticoid_Resistance · 2026-10-12T04:29:46Z · View source
De-novo curation of primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (Chrousos syndrome), MONDO:0014421, NR3C1-based Mendelian disorder. The thin claude_code deep-research report was used for leads only; all primary sources were located via PubMed esearch and fetched with fetch-reference, and every claim is snippet-verified against the cache. Built a causal pathograph (NR3C1 inactivating variant -> impaired GR signal transduction -> generalized tissue insensitivity -> blunted HPA feedback -> compensatory HPA activation -> adrenal steroidogenesis -> mineralocorticoid/androgen excess branches) wiring the phenotypes into the pathograph (Fatigue left disconnected as its mechanism is uncertain). Both AD (dominant-negative I747M) and AR inheritance recorded with bound HP terms. No ClinGen validity assertion exists for NR3C1-GGR so gene_disease_validity was correctly omitted; no GeneReviews chapter exists (confirmed offline via bookshelf index, only StatPearls general glucocorticoid physiology). Treatment: high-dose dexamethasone with CHEBI agent and target_mechanisms edge. 13 distinct references. Validation: validate-disorders passed (40 snippets, 53 titles, 0 issues); count-verified 40/40; compliance 85.8%.
Verification status. I ran three web searches in this session. Claims with a PMID and a "verified" tag come from those results. Everything else is from background knowledge and carries "unverified". Before it goes into the KB, run just fetch-reference on every PMID and check each snippet. Check every CURIE against its ontology lookup. That includes the template's MONDO:0014421 and the ORPHA, OMIM and HGNC identifiers below. Do not bind any unverified CURIE from this report.
Overview. Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (GGR) is also called Chrousos syndrome, familial or sporadic glucocorticoid resistance, or cortisol resistance. It is a rare condition with generalized, partial tissue insensitivity to glucocorticoids. The cause is usually an inactivating defect in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1). - The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is compensatorily activated to overcome the resistance, giving raised ACTH and cortisol. - Raised ACTH also drives adrenal steroids with mineralocorticoid and androgen activity. - Patients therefore show mineralocorticoid excess and hyperandrogenism, but no Cushingoid features. - Verified: Charmandari et al. 2008 (PMID:18319312) report that the spectrum runs from asymptomatic to severe cases of hyperandrogenism, fatigue, and/or mineralocorticoid excess. - Verified: compensatory HPA-axis activation drives ACTH hypersecretion because the reduced sensitivity of peripheral tissues is offset by increased HPA activity.
Identifiers (all unverified, look up before use).
- OMIM #615962 (glucocorticoid resistance, generalized). The older entry was OMIM 138040.
- The template gives MONDO:0014421.
- Orphanet, ICD-10/11 and MeSH ("Glucocorticoid resistance" or "Cortisol resistance") were not looked up.
- HGNC for NR3C1 is probably 7978. In this KB it would be written hgnc:7978.
Synonyms. Chrousos syndrome; familial glucocorticoid resistance; generalized glucocorticoid resistance; cortisol resistance; primary cortisol resistance.
Data source. The information is aggregated at disease level from case reports and kindreds, not from EHR. About 100 or fewer families have been reported (unverified).
Scope note. Acquired, tissue-specific glucocorticoid resistance is a separate matter. It occurs in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and leukemia, and is mediated by GRβ, cytokines, and the like. This report covers the Mendelian entry. Other states belong in a mechanism module or a grouping, not here.
Reviews. - Charmandari 2008, PMID:18319312, verified. - Nicolaides & Charmandari, Eur J Clin Invest 2015, from the search result, PMID not retrieved. - "Glucocorticoid Resistance", Exp Suppl 2019, PMID:31588529, verified. - Hormones (Athens) 2017, PMID:28742501. It also covers patients with similar features but no detectable NR3C1 mutation. - Endotext chapter by Chrousos and Charmandari: primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance syndrome. - Q&A: Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (PMC3086527).
Causal factors. - Germline NR3C1 variants (chromosome 5q31.3) reduce the receptor's function. - Verified: the first familial defect was an abnormal receptor with decreased affinity for cortisol, in Chrousos 1982 (PMID:6282933). The father had mineralocorticoid excess with hypertension and hypokalemia. He and his son had high cortisol without Cushing's stigmata. - Verified: Vingerhoeds 1976 (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 43:1128–1133) was the earlier "Spontaneous hypercortisolism without Cushing's syndrome" report. I did not find its PMID. - Verified: Hurley 1991 (PMID:1704018) found a point mutation in the hormone-binding domain, with a Val 641 mutant receptor. It reports a two- to threefold reduction in receptor-ligand binding affinity in the propositus, and threefold lower dexamethasone binding for the mutant. The D641V shorthand was not confirmed in the retrieved text. - Verified: Karl et al. 1993 described the first family with glucocorticoid receptor haploinsufficiency, a different mechanism from the affinity defect. - Genetic heterogeneity: some patients with a similar phenotype have no NR3C1 mutation (PMID:28742501). Other glucocorticoid-signaling factors are suspected, such as co-chaperones and coregulators.
Risk factors. Genetic factors are the dominant ones. Environmental risk factors are not established. Related polymorphisms (BclI, N363S, ER22/23EK) modulate sensitivity in the general population and are not causal for this disease (unverified).
Protective factors. None known.
Gene-environment interactions. Not established for the Mendelian disease. Stress and illness may unmask or worsen it, but I have no source.
Presentation depends on the degree of resistance and on the excess of ACTH-driven adrenal steroids. All frequencies below are qualitative and from background knowledge unless tagged. Suggested HPO terms are unverified, so look each up.
| Phenotype | Type | Notes | Suggested HPO (verify) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | sign | From mineralocorticoid excess (deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, cortisol spillover on MR) | Hypertension |
| Hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis | laboratory | Mineralocorticoid excess | Hypokalemia; Metabolic alkalosis |
| Hyperandrogenism | sign | Acne, hirsutism, male-pattern hair loss, oligo/amenorrhea and anovulation, infertility in women | Hirsutism; Acne; Oligomenorrhea; Infertility |
| Precocious puberty | sign | Children, adrenal androgen excess | Precocious puberty |
| Fatigue | symptom | Reported | Fatigue |
| Elevated ACTH, cortisol, and urinary free cortisol | laboratory | Loss of normal diurnal rhythm preserved, but with high levels and resistance to dexamethasone suppression | Elevated circulating cortisol level; Elevated circulating ACTH level |
| Adrenal hyperplasia / adrenal rest tumors | sign | Chronic ACTH drive; incidentaloma on imaging | Adrenal hyperplasia |
| Male oligospermia | sign | Reported | Oligospermia |
| Hypoglycemia, failure to thrive | sign | Rare, neonatal or severe (unverified) | Hypoglycemia |
| Asymptomatic | Common in heterozygous relatives |
Characteristics. - Onset is any age, from neonatal to adult. Severity is variable, even within a family. - The course is chronic. The disease does not progress in the usual sense, though signs may emerge with age. - Quality of life: no dedicated instrument studies were found. Hyperandrogenism and infertility have the largest effect.
Causal gene. NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor, GR). Alternative-splicing isoforms are GRα (the active one) and GRβ.
Variants.
- The spectrum includes missense variants in the ligand-binding domain (e.g., Val641, as in Hurley 1991), nonsense and frameshift variants causing haploinsufficiency (Karl 1993), splice-site variants, and deletions.
- The Endotext chapter lists the consequences as:
- reduced affinity to glucocorticoids or to target DNA;
- inability to transactivate glucocorticoid-responsive genes;
- slowed cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation.
- Dominant-negative effects are described for some missense variants (unverified).
- Classification per ACMG/AMP, population frequencies from gnomAD, and ClinGen validity were not checked. Run just list-gene-validity and look for a CGGV record. Do not assign a validity tier yourself.
- Germline origin throughout.
Modifiers and epigenetics. Not established. Common GR polymorphisms may modulate expression, and I have no source. No chromosomal abnormality is known as a cause.
None established as a cause. - Environmental factors, lifestyle factors, and infectious agents: none. - Exogenous glucocorticoids and illness-related stress affect the HPA axis and can confound testing. - The pharmacological dexamethasone suppression test is itself the diagnostic perturbation.
Causal chain. 1. A germline NR3C1 variant reduces functional GRα. The mechanisms are reduced ligand affinity, reduced DNA binding or transactivation, slowed nuclear translocation, or haploinsufficiency. (Demonstrated: Hurley 1991 and others.) 2. Tissues become partially insensitive to cortisol. Negative feedback at the hypothalamus and pituitary is blunted. (Demonstrated: dexamethasone-suppression resistance.) 3. The result is raised CRH and ACTH, which in turn raise adrenal output. Cortisol rises until it partially overcomes the resistance. (Charmandari 2008, PMID:18319312.) 4. The branch, driven by the raised ACTH, goes two ways: - Branch A, mineralocorticoid. Excess cortisol, deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone act at the mineralocorticoid receptor. Hypertension, hypokalemia, and alkalosis follow. Part of this is inferred. Cortisol is normally inactivated in kidney by 11β-HSD2, so saturation of that enzyme is a proposed contributor. - Branch B, androgen. Adrenal androgens (DHEA, DHEA-S, androstenedione) rise. Hyperandrogenism follows, with acne, hirsutism, oligo-anovulation, and precocious puberty. Androgen excess may also suppress the gonadotropin axis. 5. Chronic ACTH drive causes adrenal hyperplasia. Compensation maintains cortisol-dependent functions in most tissues, so Cushingoid features are absent. (Inferred.)
Cell types and processes (suggested terms, verify). - Cell types: corticotroph (CL), adrenal cortex cell (zona fasciculata, zona reticularis), hypothalamic neurosecretory cell, renal collecting-duct principal cell. - GO processes: glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway; glucocorticoid metabolic process; negative regulation of hormone secretion; nuclear translocation of the receptor. - Cellular components: cytoplasm and nucleus (GR shuttling).
Metabolic, immune, and molecular profiling information is not available; I did not search. Single-cell, spatial, and multi-omics data are not available.
prevalence_class: NOT_YET_DOCUMENTED or CASES_IN_LITERATURE rather than inventing a rate.just loinc-seed-cache.All of this is unverified; check against the Endotext chapter.
NCIT:C15986, with therapeutic_agent.modeled_mechanisms with fidelity and limitations, and use HUMAN_MODEL_MISMATCH if the knockout lethality is relevant.just check-genereviews) to see whether a chapter exists. Also check whether a ClinGen assertion exists for NR3C1.Checked with linkml-reference-validator 0.3.0.
| Outcome | Count |
|---|---|
| References checked | 8 |
| Resolved | 8 |
| Unresolved (possible confabulation) | 0 |
| Unverifiable | 0 |
| References weighed for topical relevance | 8 |
| On topic | 6 |
| Off topic | 0 |
All extracted references resolved successfully.
Checked with linkml-term-validator 0.4.5, through the ols: adapter.
| Outcome | Count |
|---|---|
| Terms checked | 3 |
| Resolved | 3 |
| Unresolved (possible confabulation) | 0 |
| Obsolete | 0 |
| Unverifiable | 0 |
Every term resolved, and every label the report gave matched.