This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 677, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
Future Directions for Research
The bottom line is this: there is not much out there about GRIK2 in relation to bipolar disorder. Despite GRIK2 being one of the primary candidates for a genetic role in bipolar disorder, there is virtually no completed, peer-reviewed, repeated research done on its role in this disease.
Most importantly, we need to go back to square one with repeatable genetic mapping and linkage studies of families and populations with prevalence of GRIK2. This will give us the starting point we need for further research.
The lack of research is especially frustrating given the many excellent model organisms that contain highly conserved homologous domains to GRIK2. The mouse model has already demonstrated an excellent capacity for viewing bipolar symptoms in an animal model.
Given that there are other putative genes involved in bipolar disorder, I would first continue with the KO model demonstrated by Shaltiel, et al. by creating KO models of these alternative genes.
Given that we know very little about GRIK2 and its interactions, as indicated by my protein networks, I would also propose TAP-tag experiments to further elucidate in vitro protein interactions that occur with GRIK2.
The understanding of lithium's role in the treatment of GRIK2 would also be a useful tool to understanding the genetics behind bipolar disorder. It is quite possible that one of the mechanisms of lithium is an interaction with an ionotropic receptor such as GRIK2.
The tools are there, now we must use them!
Ashley Bateman, [email protected], last updated 5/13/09
http://www.gen677.weebly.com
