How genes shape brain network activity in bipolar disorder
Functional genomics of the human connectome in psychiatric illness
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11270830
This project looks at how genetic differences and patterns of brain connectivity relate to mood symptoms in people with bipolar disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11270830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine brain imaging and genetic information to link patterns of brain network activity with mood and behavioral symptoms. They will examine how these networks change over time and across different symptom profiles in people with bipolar disorder. The team will compare maps of gene activity in the brain with MRI measures of how regions communicate to find molecular signatures of network dysfunction. Some analyses will use large existing datasets while other work may involve scans and genetic samples collected from patients at Rutgers and partner sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with bipolar disorder who can undergo MRI scans, provide a genetic sample, and share clinical symptom information over time.
Not a fit: People without mood disorders, those with unrelated medical conditions, or anyone unable or unwilling to have MRI or provide genetic samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological pathways behind varied bipolar symptoms and point toward more personalized diagnosis or treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Large population studies have previously linked genes to brain network patterns in healthy people, but applying this combined genomic–connectome approach directly to bipolar disorder is relatively new and still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOLMES, AVRAM J — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: HOLMES, AVRAM J
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.
Conditions: Bipolar Disorder