A Diagnostic and Treatment Prediction Toolkit for Bipolar Disorder based on Polymorphisms in CPG2 Regulatory Domains

A 200 bp section of the CPG2 promoter region is responsive to lithium treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of BD have been developed which employ sequencing the CPG2 promoter region from the genomic DNA of a subject to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region of the CPG2 gene and then use in vitro transcriptional assays to assess their effects on the expression of the CPG2 protein. Compositions and methods for screening therapeutic agents for treating one or more symptoms of BD in a subject are also provided. The methods may identify subjects having BD, or at risk of BD, and provide effective treatment regimens. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to monitor the success of treatments at the molecular level and provide improved treatment regimens for prophylactic and therapeutic applications.