Bipolar disorder, a complex psychiatric illness influenced by genetic and environmental factors, has been the subject of a new study led by Claudio Toma's group at the Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa (CBM-CSIC-UAM). The research, focusing on eight families with multiple affected members, delves into gene and RNA activity to better understand the disease's biological underpinnings.
Using RNA sequencing, scientists have analyzed which genes show changes in their activity and how these changes interrelate. Studying families with several affected individuals allows for the investigation of shared genetic factors and biological processes associated with the disorder.
The analyses have revealed five candidate genes of interest for future research. Notably, a long non-coding RNA was identified, located in a DNA region previously linked to bipolar disorder, reinforcing the connection with prior evidence. Results were cross-referenced with an independent sample of 323 individuals and additional genetic data.
The research also highlights the importance of cellular processes related to the transport of substances across cell membranes, including ion channels crucial for neuronal function. Gene network analysis identified five gene groups, with the most significant association linked to ion transport.
These findings, consistent with previous research on membrane transport mechanisms, underscore the value of combining family studies with the analysis of gene activity and genetic information. The integration of different strategies is emerging as key for studying other complex diseases.
