A survey of genomic studies supports association of circadian clock genes with bipolar disorder spectrum illnesses and lithium response.

ABSTRACT: Circadian rhythm abnormalities in bipolar disorder (BD) have led to a search for genetic abnormalities in circadian "clock genes" associated with BD. However, no significant clock gene findings have emerged from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). At least three factors could account for this discrepancy: complex traits are polygenic, the organization of the clock is more complex than previously recognized, and/or genetic risk for BD may be shared across multiple illnesses. To investigate these issues, we considered the clock gene network at three levels: essential "core" clock genes, upstream circadian clock modulators, and downstream clock controlled genes. Using relaxed thresholds for GWAS statistical significance, we determined the rates of clock vs. control genetic associations wi

SUBMITTER: McCarthy MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3285204 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature