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The CACNA1C risk allele selectively impacts on executive function in bipolar type I disorder
M G Soeiro-de-Souza1, D S Bio, V V Dias
1Mood Disorders Unit (GRUDA), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (IPq-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|February 15, 2013
Summary
The CACNA1C gene variant (rs1006737) is linked to executive dysfunction in bipolar disorder (BD) patients. This genetic association with cognitive impairment in BD was observed independently of mood symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Psychiatric Disorders
Background:
- Calcium channels play a crucial role in neuronal signaling.
- A specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1006737, in the CACNA1C gene is associated with an increased risk of Bipolar Disorder (BD).
- This SNP has also been implicated in executive function in schizophrenia and healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the CACNA1C rs1006737 polymorphism and executive function in individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
- To determine if this genetic variant influences cognitive performance in BD patients.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of the CACNA1C rs1006737 SNP in 109 Bipolar Disorder type I patients and 96 controls.
- Assessment of executive functions using a battery of tests including WAIS-III subtests, Trail Making Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.
Main Results:
- Individuals with Bipolar Disorder carrying the Met/Met genotype of CACNA1C rs1006737 exhibited poorer performance on all executive function tests compared to the Val/Val genotype.
- No significant effect of the CACNA1C genotype on cognitive performance was found in the healthy control group.
Conclusions:
- The CACNA1C risk allele is associated with executive dysfunction in Bipolar Disorder, suggesting it may be a trait marker.
- This association persists irrespective of the presence of mood symptoms in BD patients.
- Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to explore the impact of CACNA1C on other cognitive domains in BD.
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