METHODS FOR PREDICTING A PATIENT'S RESPONSE TO LITHIUM TREATMENT

摘要

The present invention provides use of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the calcium channel ?-2 subunit (Cacng2) gene as a tool to predict response to lithium-based therapy in psychiatric conditions, specifically in patients suffering from bipolar disorders. The invention therefore concerns methods for identifying an increased likelihood for positive response to lithium treatment in a subject by determining allelic variants of Cacng2 gene present in a nucleic acid sample obtained from a subject, wherein the presence of certain allelic variants is indicative of an increased likelihood for a positive response of the subject to lithium treatment. The invention further provides oligonucleotides useful in the detection of the SNPs as well as kits for affecting the methods of the invention.