ConLiGen - A consortium investigating the genetic underpinnings of lithium response in bipolar disorder

Abstract

The Consortium on Lithium Genetics (ConLiGen) is an international collaborative effort that investigates genetic determinants of the response to lithium in bipolar disorder. Here, we summarize our motivation and the current status of ConLiGen's research efforts. While it is known that genetic factors play a major role in the therapeutic effects of lithium, studies into the molecular underpinnings of lithium response have not produced any conclusive evidence so far. This may in part be due to limited sample sizes and varying definitions of response across studies. Since its foundation in 2008, it has been ConLiGen's mission to change that situation. We have now established reliable definitions of response and collected a sample of close to 3000 patients, currently being analyzed at a genome-wide level for genetic determinants of response to lithium. ConLiGen is an ever growing initiative open for researchers interested in understanding lithium's mode of action. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.