Author:
Craddock Nick,Spurlock Gillian,Mcguffin Peter,Owen Michael J.,Nosten-Bertrand Marika,Bellivier Frank,Meloni Rolando,Leboyer Marion,Mallet Jacques,Mynett-Johnson Lesley,Murphy Valerie,Mckeon Patrick,Kirov George,Powell John,Kunugi Hiroshi,Collier David,Larosa Monica,Nacmias Benedetta,Sorbi Sandro,Schwab Sibylle,Ackenheil Manfred,Maier Wolfgang,
Abstract
BackgroundThere is compelling evidence for the existence of susceptibility genes for bipolar disorder. Association studies using functional DNA variations are an important approach for identifying these genes. The enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays a key role in the degradation of catecholamine neurotransmitters and is a candidate for involvement in bipolar disorder. Recently a common functional genetic polymorphism that underlies population variation in COM Tactivity has been elucidated and a simple assay developed.MethodIn a collaboration involving seven European centres, we have undertaken an association study of this functional polymorphism in 412 unrelated West European caucasian DSM - III-R bipolar patients and 368 ethnically matched controls.ResultsWe found no evidence of allelic or genotypic association.ConclusionsWe can conclude that variation at this functional polymorphism does not make an important contribution to bipolar disorder in the Western European population. Future studies using this powerful experimental approach can be expected to contribute to identification of bipolar susceptibility genes.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
47 articles.
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