We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBE SCIENTIFIC, LLC

Download Mobile App




Genome-wide Association Study Identifies New Bipolar Disorder Loci

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 May 2019
Results obtained by a large genome-wide association study performed on individuals with bipolar disorder identified 20 new genetic associations involving genes encoding ion channels, neurotransmitter transporters, and synaptic components.

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental disorder affecting approximately 60 million people worldwide that causes periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood. More...
The risk of suicide among those with the illness is high at greater than 6% over 20 years, while self-harm occurs in 30-40%. The causes of the disorder are not clearly understood, but both environmental and genetic factors play a role. Many genes of small effect contribute to risk. Environmental risk factors include a history of childhood abuse and long-term stress.

The condition is classified as bipolar I disorder if there has been at least one manic episode, with or without depressive episodes, and as bipolar II disorder if there has been at least one hypomanic episode (but no manic episodes) and one major depressive episode. Bipolar I disorder is strongly genetically correlated with schizophrenia, driven by psychosis, whereas bipolar II disorder is more strongly correlated with major depressive disorder.

To identify genes associated with bipolar disorder, investigators at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA) and at more than 200 collaborating institutions performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) including 20,352 cases and 31,358 controls of European descent, with follow-up analysis of 822 gene loci in an additional 9,412 cases and 137,760 controls.

Analysis of the results revealed 30 loci that were significant genome-wide, including 20 newly identified loci. The significant loci contained genes encoding ion channels, neurotransmitter transporters, and synaptic components. Pathway analysis revealed nine significantly enriched gene sets, including those regulating of insulin secretion and endocannabinoid signaling. Eight of the genes linked to bipolar disorder harbored schizophrenia associations as well.

"The crux of this international collaborative study was, in essence, to connect the dots," said first author Dr. Eli Stahl, assistant professor of genetics and psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "By discovering new genes associated with bipolar disorder and demonstrating their overlap with genes found in other psychiatric disorders, we bring ourselves closer to finding the true genetic underpinnings of the disease and improving patient outcomes."

The bipolar disorder GWAS paper was published in the May 1, 2019, online edition of the journal of Nature Genetics.

Related Links:
Mount Sinai School of Medicine


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Modular Hemostasis Automation Solution
CN Track
New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
These images illustrate how precision oncology Organ Chips recapitulate individual patients’ responses to chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University)

Cancer Chip Accurately Predicts Patient-Specific Chemotherapy Response

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), one of the two primary types of esophageal cancer, ranks as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and currently lacks effective targeted therapies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.