Open AccessA CAG repeat polymorphism of KCNN3 predicts SK3 channel function and cognitive performance in schizophrenia
Author(s) -
Grube Sabrina,
Gerchen Martin F.,
Adamcio Bartosz,
Pardo Luis A.,
Martin Sabine,
Malzahn Dörthe,
Papiol Sergi,
Begemann Martin,
Ribbe Katja,
Friedrichs Heidi,
Radyushkin Konstantin A,
Müller Michael,
Benseler Fritz,
Riggert Joachim,
Falkai Peter,
Bickeböller Heike,
Nave KlausArmin,
Brose Nils,
Stühmer Walter,
Ehrenreich Hannelore
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
embo molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.923
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1757-4684
pISSN - 1757-4676
DOI - 10.1002/emmm.201100135
Subject(s) - schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , cognition , genetics , phenotype , psychology , neuroscience , medicine , biology , psychiatry , gene
KCNN3, encoding the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel SK3, harbours a polymorphic CAG repeat in the amino-terminal coding region with yet unproven function. Hypothesizing that KCNN3 genotypes do not influence susceptibility to schizophrenia but modify its phenotype, we explored their contribution to specific schizophrenic symptoms. Using the Göttingen Research Association for Schizophrenia (GRAS) data collection of schizophrenic patients (n = 1074), we performed a phenotype-based genetic association study (PGAS) of KCNN3. We show that long CAG repeats in the schizophrenic sample are specifically associated with better performance in higher cognitive tasks, comprising the capacity to discriminate, select and execute (p < 0.0001). Long repeats reduce SK3 channel function, as we demonstrate by patch-clamping of transfected HEK293 cells. In contrast, modelling the opposite in mice, i.e. KCNN3 overexpression/channel hyperfunction, leads to selective deficits in higher brain functions comparable to those influenced by SK3 conductance in humans. To conclude, KCNN3 genotypes modify cognitive performance, shown here in a large sample of schizophrenic patients. Reduction of SK3 function may constitute a pharmacological target to improve cognition in schizophrenia and other conditions with cognitive impairment.