Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2001 Mar

bipolar disorder are major causes of morbidity throughout the world. 

Despite extensive searches, no single gene, RNA transcript, or protein has been

found which can, on its own, account for these disorders.  Recently, the

availability of genomic tools such as cDNA microarrays, serial analysis of gene

expression (SAGE) and large-scale sequencing of cDNA libraries has allowed

researchers to assay biological samples for a large number of RNA transcripts. 

Similarly, proteomic tools allow for the quantitation of a large number of

peptides and proteins.  These methods include two-dimensional

electrophoresis and surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI). 

We have initiated experiments which apply these techniques to the comparison of

RNAs and proteins expressed in clinical samples obtained from individuals with

psychiatric diseases and controls.  These methods have the potential to

identify pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of complex psychiatric

disorders. The characterization of these pathways may allow for the development

of new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar