Genetic variations in FOXO3A are associated with Bipolar Disorder without confering vulnerability for suicidal behavior

BackgroundGenetic variation plays an important role in Bipolar Disorder (BD) and suicide susceptibility. However, little is known about the genetic influence on the risk of suicide, particularly in BD patients. Since FOXO3A plays a role in distinct mood-relevant behavioral processes, this gene could be a novel gene candidate for BD. Thus, we investigated whether FOXO3A polymorphisms are associated with BD and suicidal behavior in BD patients.MethodsTaqMan genotyping was used to detect FOXO3A SNPs in 273 BD patients and 264 control subjects.ResultsThree SNPs (rs1536057, rs2802292 and rs1935952) were associated with BD, but none was positively linked with suicidal behavior.LimitationA systematic evaluation within the whole FOXO3A gene and drug treatment in patients was not performed.ConclusionsThese data suggest that FOXO3A is a novel susceptibility locus for BD, but not for suicidal behavior in BD patients. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the BD genetics.