GENETIC LINKAGE STUDIES IN AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

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The broad objective of this continuation application to detect and localize susceptibility loci in bipolar and related affective disorders. This goal will be attained by 1. typing 50 extended high-density bipolar pedigrees with polymorphic DNA markers (these are 20 previously ascertained medium- to-large sized kindreds with established cell lines on over 1000 informative members and an additional 30 like pedigrees to be collected); marker typing will focus on systematic scan of the genome, including candidate genes, with special emphasis on PCR based technology and microsatellite polymorphisms; 2. performing linkage analysis using a range of phenotypic and genetic models; 3. assessing the impact of diagnostic update and extension of pedigrees on the linkage results (this will be accomplished by a follow-up study of the pedigrees already identified using comprehensive clinical ratings and operational diagnostic criteria). Pending the results of the linkage analyses, long-range goals will include: Identification and characterization of the disease gene(s); definition of linked disease forms on clinical and biological measures; elucidation of gene-environment interaction; and expansion of the pedigree roster to replicate linkage results, assess genetic heterogeneity, an generate, if appropriate, sufficient meiotic events for the cloning procedures. Israel is the data collection site. There are several reasons for this choice: 1. Availability of multigenerational pedigrees with multiple affected cases that are readily accessible for study. 2. Low rates of alcoholism and drug use, conditions that confound the psychiatric diagnosis. 3. An opportunity co compare different populations and cultures. 4. Previous successful collaboration and intriguing findings that require extension. 5. The relatively low cost of human research. israel, probably uniquely, meets all these requirements. The availability of a unique series of pedigrees, coupled with recent advances in diagnostic procedures, molecular genetic techniques, and linkage analysis, holds promise for unraveling the genetic mechanisms that underlie some forms of major affective illness. This, in turn, may have important implications for the etiology, nosology, pathophysiology and, possibly prevention and treatment of these disorders.