The Andalusian Bipolar Family (ABiF) Study: Protocol and sample description

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The Andalusian Bipolar Family (ABiF) Study initiated in 1997 to investigate the genetic basis of bipolar affective disorder in Spanish families.
• Despite contributions to genetic findings, the precise genetic underpinnings in these families require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Andalusian Bipolar Family (ABiF) Study, a longitudinal research project.
• To detail the ongoing follow-up phase aimed at generating comprehensive data for understanding bipolar disorder etiology.
• To establish a valuable resource for future molecular genetic investigations.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 100 multiplex families with bipolar and other mood disorders between 1997-2003.
• Initiation of a follow-up phase in 2013, focusing on a subgroup of original families.
• Collection of longitudinal clinical data, neuropsychological assessments, and biomaterials.

Main Results:

• The ABiF Study is generating a significant resource for bipolar disorder research.
• The study aims to identify causes of high disease prevalence within multiply affected families.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the value of advanced technologies like exome/whole genome sequencing.
• Future research will utilize induced pluripotent stem cells and model organisms to determine functional consequences of genetic findings.