CAG repeat length in the hKCa3 gene and symptom dimensions in schizophrenia

Background: Long CAG repeats in the hKCa3 potassium channel gene have been associated with schizophrenia. We sought evidence for associations between this polymorphism and aspects of the schizophrenia phenotype. Methods: Associations were investigated between CAG repeat length and gender, age of illness onset, and psychotic symptom dimensions in 203 unrelated individuals with DSM-IIIR schizophrenia. Results: No association was found between CAG repeat length and gender or age of onset. Long CAG repeats were associated with higher negative symptom dimension scores. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that generic liability to negative symptoms in schizophrenia may be partly mediated through the hKCa3 gene.