Objective: Despite many studies into the genetics of bipolar disorder (BP), the molecular causes underlying susceptibility to BP remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify chromosomal regions linked to BP in a new Australian extended pedigree cohort.
Methods: We have conducted a parametric genome-wide linkage scan on 15 previously unreported Australian extended families with BP and related affective disorders, comprising 63 affected and 158 nonaffected individuals.
Results: This study provides support for previously identified linkage regions on chromosomes 1p13-31, 3q24-25, 4q13-32, 10p11-q11, and 15q21-23, although none of these regions reached suggestive or significant evidence for linkage.
Conclusion: Although not providing statistically significant evidence for linkage in this study, these 15 families provide support for previously identified bipolar susceptibility loci, and may aid in localizing susceptibility genes for BP in a larger combined cohort framework.