Scientists at TSRI Pinpoint Gene Variations Linked to Higher Risk of Bipolar Disorder

Scientists from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in Florida, identified small variations in multiple genes linked to an increased risk of bipolar disorder.  Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, activity levels, and the ability to carry out normal tasks.  Bipolar disorder often develops during the late teens to early adult years.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder is a mental illness that affects nearly six million Americans.  Bipolar disorder has a strong tendency to run in families.  Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness.

 



The study performed by TRSI focused on a biochemical pathway associated with bipolar disorder known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).  The cAMP signaling plays a role in learning and memory, according to Ron Davis' laboratory and others.  The study analyzed variations in 29 genes found in 1,172 individual with bipolar disorder I and 516 individuals with bipolar disorder II.  The control group consisted of 1,728 individuals.  There were associations noted between bipolar disorder I and variants in the PDE10A gene.  The PDE10A gene is expressed in the striatum.  The striatum is a part of the brain associated with learning and memory.  Associations were also found between bipolar disorder II and variants in the DISC1 and GNAS genes.  This study performed by The Scripps Research Institute is interesting as it could potentially lead to a cure for bipolar disorder.  Mental illness is certainly taboo in some societies or cultures.  However, learning about the genetic background of these illnesses could lead to a better understanding of mental illness overall.  Davis mentioned that the PDE10A gene is also associated with decision making and motivation.  Using this information, they could also use the location of the gene, PDE10A, as a therapeutic target.