The Impact of the FKBP5 Gene Polymorphisms on the Relationship between Traumatic Life Events and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Non-Clinical Adults

Common variations of the FKBP5 gene are implicated in psychotic disorders, by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity to stress. It has been demonstrated that some of them might moderate the effects of childhood trauma on psychosis proneness. However, these associations have not been investigated with respect to traumatic life events (TLEs). Therefore, we aimed to explore whether the FKBP5 polymorphisms moderate the effects of TLEs on the level of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). A total of 535 non-clinical adults were approached for participation, and genotyping of six FKBP5 polymorphisms (rs3800373, rs9470080, rs4713902, rs737054, rs1360780 and rs9296158) was performed. The Prodromal Questionnaire-16 (PQ-16) and the Traumatic Events Checklist (TEC) were administered to assess PLEs and TLEs, respectively. Among the rs1360780 CC homozygotes, a history of physical abuse was associated with significantly higher PQ-16 scores. This difference was not significant in the rs1360780 T allele carriers. Similarly, a history of physical abuse was associated with significantly higher PQ-16 scores in the rs9296158 GG homozygotes but not in the rs9296158 A allele carriers. Finally, emotional neglect was related to significantly higher PQ-16 scores in the rs737054 T allele carriers but not in the rs737054 CC homozygotes. The present study indicates that variation in the FKBP5 gene might moderate the effects of lifetime traumatic events on psychosis proneness.

Automated summary

Common variations of the FKBP5 gene are associated with psychotic disorders by affecting the stress response system. This study indicates that these variations might influence how traumatic events in life can impact an individual's proneness to psychosis. It suggests that genetic factors play a role in moderating the effects of trauma on mental health.