Genetics of bipolar disorder in Asian adults
2/4 Asian Bipolar Genetics Network (A-BIG-NET)
This project looks for genetic differences linked to bipolar disorder in adults of Asian ancestry to help improve understanding and future care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176014 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join this project, researchers will collect your DNA and detailed information about your bipolar symptoms, medical history, and life stressors alongside thousands of other adults of Asian ancestry. They will use low-pass whole genome sequencing to find both common and rare genetic variants and link those variants to detailed clinical and environmental data. The collaboration includes sites across East and South Asia and aims to discover population-specific risk factors and how genes interact with stressors to affect bipolar illness. Results may lead to more precise diagnosis and guide development of tailored treatments over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) of Asian descent who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder are ideal candidates, and the project also seeks healthy Asian-ancestry volunteers as comparison controls.
Not a fit: People under 21 or those not of Asian ancestry are unlikely to be eligible for participation and would not directly take part in this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could improve understanding of causes of bipolar disorder in Asian populations and eventually support more accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies in primarily European populations have identified some risk loci for bipolar disorder, but similar large-scale work in Asian populations is limited, so this applies proven genomic methods in a new population.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kendler, Kenneth Seedman — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Kendler, Kenneth Seedman
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.