Project Summary

Thomas B. Barrett, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2003) of University of California, San Diego, notes that susceptibility genes for bipolar disorder have not yet been well documented, yet much of the risk for developing bipolar disorder is thought to be genetic.  A risk gene may lie on chromosome 22 in the region of a gene called G protein receptor kinase 3 (GRK3).  In preliminary studies, Dr. Barrett identified the DNA sequence variants in GRK3 and then found evidence that one of these variants, known as P-5, is associated with a 3.4 fold increase in developing bipolar disorder.  In this study, Dr. Barrett will combine data from the USCD and NIMH Bipolar Consortium studies to examine familial inheritance patterns in more detail.  He will analyze P-5 and additional variants in a large set of families with bipolar disorder in order to identify more variants which may be associated with bipolar. Lastly, if able to confirm that GRK3 is a risk gene for bipolar disorder, he will screen the region for possible mutations.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar

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