CACNA1C rs1006737: What Your Genotype Means
The rs1006737 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism located within the CACNA1C gene, which encodes a subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Research has investigated its association with psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, as well as its influence on cognitive and emotional processing.
What each genotype means
Typical corticolimbic stress reactivity
You carry two copies of the common G allele for the CACNA1C rs1006737 variant. Research links this baseline genotype to standard corticolimbic reactivity and typical emotional processing patterns during stress tasks. Because this marker only confers a modest statistical effect and research findings remain limited, it does not determine clinical outcomes or mental health conditions.
Carried by approximately 45% to 50% of individuals of European ancestry and more than 75% to 85% of East Asian populations.
Intermediate corticolimbic stress reactivity
You carry one copy of the A risk allele and one copy of the G allele. Neuroimaging and behavioral studies suggest this genotype may be associated with slightly altered fronto-hippocampal connectivity and intermediate emotional reactivity under stress. Current evidence remains limited and shows subtle statistical associations rather than direct diagnostic effects.
Carried by roughly 40% to 45% of people of European ancestry, but seen in less than 20% of East Asian cohorts.
Heightened emotional stress reactivity
You carry two copies of the rs1006737 A risk allele. In preliminary laboratory and neuroimaging studies, this genotype has been correlated with increased amygdala and hippocampal reactivity to emotional stimuli, as well as shifts in contextual negative affect. These findings reflect small statistical associations across research cohorts and do not constitute a clinical diagnosis.
Carried by approximately 9% to 10% of individuals in European populations, and by fewer than 2% in East Asian populations.
Understanding the rs1006737 Variant
The rs1006737 variant is a specific genetic change located in the third intron of the CACNA1C gene. In genetics, an intron is a non-coding region of a gene that is transcribed into RNA but removed before the final protein is produced. While introns do not directly code for amino acids, variants within these regions can influence how genes are regulated, spliced, or expressed. Scientists identify this specific location using the rsID (reference SNP cluster ID) system, which acts as a unique catalog number for known variations in the human genome. Because this variant is located in a regulatory region, researchers study it to understand if it alters the amount or timing of the CACNA1C protein produced in various tissues, particularly within the brain.
The Role of the CACNA1C Gene
The CACNA1C gene provides instructions for creating the alpha-1C subunit of an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel. These channels are essential for the flow of calcium ions into cells, a process that triggers various physiological responses. In the brain, these channels are critical for neuronal signaling, synaptic plasticity, and the regulation of neurotransmitter release. Because calcium signaling is fundamental to how neurons communicate and adapt, variations in genes like CACNA1C are frequently studied in the context of neurodevelopment and psychiatric health. By modulating the influx of calcium, the protein encoded by this gene helps maintain the delicate balance of electrical activity required for normal cognitive and emotional function.
Research Associations and Evidence Strength
The association between rs1006737 and psychiatric conditions is a subject of ongoing scientific inquiry. Multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified this variant as a potential risk factor for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Some research suggests that the 'A' allele may be correlated with decreased expression of CACNA1C transcripts in brain tissue, potentially impacting neural circuitry. Additionally, studies have explored its link to major depressive disorder, though results have been mixed, with some meta-analyses showing a modest association while others report inconsistent findings. It is important to note that the evidence for these associations is considered limited in terms of clinical predictability. Psychiatric conditions are highly complex and polygenic, meaning they are influenced by hundreds of genetic variants and environmental factors, not just a single SNP.
Interpreting Your Genetic Information
If you have access to your genetic data, you may see your genotype for rs1006737. It is vital to understand that this information is for educational purposes only and cannot be used to diagnose or predict the development of any psychiatric condition. The presence of a specific allele does not mean an individual will experience a particular health outcome. Genetic associations are statistical observations made across large populations, not individual medical certainties. If you have concerns about your mental health or family history, the most appropriate step is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a genetic counselor. They can provide context based on your full clinical picture, which is far more informative than any single genetic variant.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele (A) has a frequency of approximately 0.30 in European reference cohorts according to gnomAD data. Frequencies can vary significantly across different global ancestral populations.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs1006737 a diagnostic test for mental illness?
No. The rs1006737 variant is a research marker associated with statistical trends in large populations. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot predict whether an individual will develop a psychiatric condition.
What does 'risk allele' mean in this context?
In genetic research, a 'risk allele' refers to a variant that appears more frequently in individuals with a specific condition compared to those without it. It indicates a statistical association, not a direct cause of the disease.
Can I change my risk associated with this variant?
Genetic variants are inherited and cannot be changed. However, mental health is influenced by a wide range of environmental and lifestyle factors that are often more significant than any single genetic variant.
Where can I find more information about my specific results?
If you have questions about your genetic data, you should speak with a board-certified genetic counselor. They can help you interpret your results within the context of your personal and family health history.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/18/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Intronic CACNA1C variant associated with subjective sleep latency and perceived sleep quality alterations.
Intronic single-nucleotide variant in the CACNA1C calcium channel gene reproducibly linked via large-scale GWAS to risk of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
An intronic regulatory variant within CACNA1C associated with differences in subjective sleep quality and sleep latency.
An intronic CACNA1C polymorphism linked to prolonged sleep onset latency and subjective sleep quality impairment.