B2042 - The Role of Epigenetic Processes in the Developmental of Psychotic Experiences and Disorders in a Non-Clinical Population ALSPAC Study - 04/07/2013

B number: 
B2042
Principal applicant name: 
Prof Andrew Lewis (Deakin University Burwood Campus Melbourne, Australia)
Co-applicants: 
Ms Alicia Tompson (Deakin University Burwood Campus Melbourne, Australia), Dr Caroline Relton (University of Bristol, UK), Dr Stan Zammitt (University of Bristol, UK), Prof John Reynolds (Deakin University Burwood Campus Melbourne, Australia), Mr Mohajer Abass-Hameed (Deakin University Burwood Campus Melbourne, Australia)
Title of project: 
The Role of Epigenetic Processes in the Developmental of Psychotic Experiences and Disorders in a Non-Clinical Population: ALSPAC Study.
Proposal summary: 

Aims of the Proposed Research

Paper 1: To investigate the role of perinatal insults on gene methylation in mother and child pairs, during pregnancy and at birth, respectively.

Paper 2: To investigate the role of gene methylation (genome-wide DNA methylation) in psychotic experiences at age 12 and 18 years, and a diagnosis of psychotic disorder at age 18 years.

Paper 3: To investigate the role of perinatal insults and gene methylation (genome-wide DNA methylation) in psychotic experiences at age 12 and 18 years, and a diagnosis of psychotic disorder at age 18 years.

Hypotheses

Obstetric complications are expected to result in differential methylation of mother and child gene pairs. Similarly, differential gene methylation in ALSPAC children is expected to be associated with psychotic experiences at age 12 and 18 years, and also with diagnosis of psychotic disorder at age 18 years.

An agnostic stance, rather than a targeted approach, will be used to investigate relationships between early adverse exposures, gene methylation and psychotic experiences. Hypotheses regarding specific gene candidates will not be considered prior to conducting the proposed research.

Date proposal received: 
Thursday, 27 June, 2013
Date proposal approved: 
Thursday, 4 July, 2013
Keywords: 
Epigenetics , Psychosis
Primary keyword: