Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the KCNN3 Gene Associate With Preterm Birth

The objectives were to determine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KCNN3 (encodes the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel subfamily N, member 3), associate with preterm birth (PTB). In all, 602 preterm families with at least 1 preterm (< 37 weeks gestation) infant were studied: DNA from the infant and one or both parents were genotyped for 16 SNPs in KCNN3. A region of interest within KCNN3 was sequenced in 512 Caucasian non-Hispanic mothers (412 with preterm deliveries;100 who delivered at term). Family-based association testing was used for genotyping analysis; Fisher exact test was used for sequencing analysis. Six SNPs (rs1218585, rs4845396, rs12058931, rs1218568, rs6426985, and rs4845394) were associated with PTB (all Ps <.05). These variations were all located within the intronic region between exons 1 and 2. Maternal sequencing revealed an association of 3 SNPs with spontaneous PTB; rs1218585 (P =.007), rs1218584 (P =.05), and a novel SNP at chromosome1:153099353 (P =.02). Polymorphisms in KCNN3 are associated with PTB and investigation into the functional significance of these allelic changes is warranted.