BDNF expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines carrying BDNF SNPs associated with bipolar disorder

To determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that have been associated with bipolar illness are associated with physiological dysfunction.

Lymphoblastoid cell lines (n=30) obtained from bipolar I individuals carrying zero, one, or two copies of a BDNF SNP associated with bipolar illness (rs12273363) were utilized.

Proapoptotic stressors of serum deprivation alone, or serum deprivation combined with the sodium ionophore, monensin, did not alter intracellular proBDNF. Monensin treatment increased mature-BDNF (mBDNF) protein levels (P<0.05). There were no differences related to the presence of SNP or copy number.

rs12273363 does not appear to have functional consequences that would involve its role in bipolar illness.