Project Summary

James Potash, M.D., M.P.H. (Young Investigator 2000) of Johns Hopkins University, will investigate whether imprinted genes might convey susceptibility to bipolar disorder.  Imprinting is a phenomenon in which the gene of only one parent is passed onto the offspring.  Genetic linkage has been demonstrated in bipolar disorder only from families with paternal transmission of the illness.  Dr. Potash will examine whether imprinted genes exist on chromosome 18 and in other chromosomal regions, and that the parent-specific expression of them modifies susceptibility to bipolar disorder.  This research may have important implications for identifying a causal gene for bipolar disorder.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar

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