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Differential serum levels of CACNA1C, circadian rhythm and stress response molecules in subjects with bipolar disorder: Associations with genetic and clinical factors

  • 0Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders +

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September 5, 2024

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September 5, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study found higher CACNA1C protein levels in bipolar disorder (BD) patients, suggesting it may be a biomarker for personalized treatment. Altered levels of other proteins also link CACNA1C to circadian rhythm and stress in BD.

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background

  • Many bipolar disorder (BD) patients lack effective treatments, necessitating personalized approaches.
  • Biomarkers are crucial for guiding treatment selection in BD.
  • The calcium channel CACNA1C is a potential target for personalized BD treatments.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the association between CACNA1C genotype and serum CACNA1C levels in BD patients.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for personalized treatment strategies in bipolar disorder.

Main Methods

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum CACNA1C protein levels.
  • Serum samples were analyzed from 100 individuals with BD and 100 control subjects.
  • Genotyping was performed, focusing on the CACNA1C risk SNP (rs11062170).

Main Results

  • Significantly elevated serum CACNA1C protein levels were observed in BD patients compared to controls.
  • Subjects homozygous for the CACNA1C risk allele (rs11062170) exhibited higher CACNA1C protein levels.
  • Altered levels of somatostatin (SST), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like (ARTNL), and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) were found in BD patients.

Conclusions

  • This study provides the first evidence of increased serum CACNA1C levels in bipolar disorder.
  • Altered levels of CACNA1C, SST, ARTNL, and CRH suggest a link to circadian rhythm and stress response dysregulation in BD.
  • These findings support CACNA1C as a potential biomarker for personalized medicine in bipolar disorder treatment.

Keywords:

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