Understanding How Genes Affect Bipolar Disorder

A new research study has definitively associated the presence of bipolar disorder to two genes - ANK3 and CCACNA1C.

A key thing that the research brings to light is that even though all humans have both the ANK3 and CACNA1C genes, people who have bipolar disorder or manic depression were more likely than others to have variants of these genes. The important phrase used in the research report is the term "more likely."

What this indicates is that even some of the people that show no signs of bipolar disorder also possessed variants in their ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. So, evidently, Although the gene variances do seem to be an important indicator, there must be some additional factor as well which scientists have yet to discover.

Most likely an excellent place to begin would be in taking a look at twins, especially identically twins. Researchers know already that, in the case of identical twins, one could be bipolar and the other normal. Most of these studies, however, were done before the specific genes that cause bipolar were discovered.

Now, however, knowing the exact genes that are involved, more accurate studies can be created. It would appear that the next most logical step would be to take a look at identical twins and determine if they all have variants in their ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. Whatever the finding, it would be the next great step in helping to determine the importance of these variances and in illustrating the exact role that they play.

Usually, when a person has bipolar disorder episodes the following script occurs. They will bounce back and forth from high levels of giddy franticness and hyper-activity, followed by short or long periods of depression, and followed by those high levels of hyper-activity again. Gene research is important in being able to potentially come up with therapies that can act directly on these genes and therefore help to modify the behavior.

Currently there are medications in the marketplace that do a good job of alleviating some of the more extreme mood swings of the disease. But most were developed before researchers knew much about the specific genes involved in the disease. Now that we know these genes, hopefully better drug treatments can be devised.

At the present time, the most prevalent medication normally prescribed for bipolar disorder is Lithium. In many people, this drug causes a number of unwanted side effects such as weight gain and trembling. Hopefully, the discovery of these two bipolar genes can help to develop better drug treatments.

Once we know the genes plus the chemical reactions that occur in the brains of patients with bipolar, it can help immensely in helping to discover appropriate medications for manic depression treatment.

Up to now, this scientific study has been the largest one to concentrate on the hereditary aspects of bipolar disorder. Hopefully, its success will lead to funding for other brain diseases as well.

Understanding How Genes Affect Bipolar Disorder

By: Julie Frey

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