Epigenetic signature of childhood maltreatment in bipolar disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Epigenetic signature of childhood maltreatment in bipolar disorder: the moderating role of social support in adulthood
IRAS ID
262875
Contact name
Georgina Hosang
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterised by extreme fluctuations in mood ranging from depression and mania (symptoms include elation and irritability). It is one of the major causes of disability and is estimated to cost the UK £2 billion annually. The development of effective prevention and treatments for bipolar disorder relies on research focused on its causes and risk factors. These are largely unknown but are likely to include complicated interactions between genes and the environment, although research in this area is lacking. \n Childhood maltreatment (abuse and neglect) has been consistently associated with bipolar disorder. The mechanisms behind the childhood maltreatment-bipolar disorder relationship are unclear. It is possible that the experience of childhood maltreatment may lead to biological changes, such as, the extent to which genes are turned ‘on’ or ‘off’. Epigenetics is one of the processes that are involved in gene expression and may occur through DNA methylation. No studies have explored the DNA methylation patterns in people with bipolar disorder who have experienced childhood maltreatment, and should be investigated to better understand the origins of this illness. \n This study aims to examine the DNA methylation profile of people with bipolar disorder who have experienced childhood maltreatment taking into account their social support in adulthood. It is important to consider the role of social support in epigenetic research since positive environments are also thought to influence DNA methylation. This project will use already collected DNA samples and data on childhood maltreatment and social support from 77 adults with bipolar disorder. In this project the DNA samples will be sent off for DNA methylation analysis which will be combined with the childhood maltreatment and social support data (already collected) and analysed by a research team with expertise in epigenetics, statistics, bipolar disorder and stress.\n\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
19/NS/0094
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion