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Database could improve research on bipolar disorder
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Like a genetic Google, a free database launched by researchers this week could enable scientists to isolate genes linked to the development of bipolar disorder.
The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database, a joint effort between Johns Hopkins Psychiatry and the National Institute of Mental Health, will allow researchers to access detailed records compiled from more than 5000 people afflicted with the disease, according to Hopkins.
“The idea is that there may be some types of bipolar disorder that may be genetically unique,” said Dr. James Potash, director of Hopkins’ mood disorders research programs.
As well as cataloging how the disease presents and progresses in each case, the database includes DNA samples from the patients, giving scientists an opportunity to find genetic patterns that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.
The system also lets users examine “pure” groups of patients who demonstrate a particular symptom — such as fatigue or paranoia — allowing researchers to develop a more detailed map of how individual genes affect the way the disease manifests itself.
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disease marked by recurring episodes of strong mood disturbance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the disorder affects about 5.7 million Americans a year, or 2.6 percent of the country’s adult population.
This gene-bank method of isolating particular symptoms has proven effective in finding genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer, according to Hopkins. Potash said collecting enough case descriptions can normally be time-consuming and expensive, but the database will include thousands of cases amassed from the past 20 years.
jdavisson@baltimoreexaminer.com
