PsychGen -"Genetisk epidemiologistudier med fokus på nevroutvikling og psykisk helse".
The main purpose of the PsychGen core project is to obtain new knowledge about how genetic and environmental factors affect neurodevelopment and mental health by using large data sources and genetically informed analysis methods.
About the project
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Project period: 01.01.2017 - 31.12.2030 (Active)
- Coordinating Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Project Manager:
- Alexandra Havdahl, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Project Participants:
- Alexandra Havdahl, Nic Waal Institute
- Meseret Mamo Bazezew, Nic Waal Institute
- Daniela Bragantini, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital
- Anastasia Izotova, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital
- Helga Ask, Public Health and Prevention
- Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
- Laurie Hannigan, Nic Waal Institute
- Elizabeth Claire Corfield, Nic Waal Institute
- Ragna Bugge Askeland, Public Health and Prevention
- Johanne Hagen Pettersen, Public Health and Prevention
- Pia Myklebust Johannessen, Public Health and Prevention
- Laura Elizabeth Hegemann, Nic Waal Institute
- Jo Adrian Dahl Askelund, Nic Waal Institute
- Robyn Wootton, Nic Waal Institute
- Stian Barbo Valand, Nic Waal Institute
- Ziada Ayorech, Helse-, utviklings- og personlighetspsyk
- George Davey Smith, University of Bristol
- Ole Andreassen, Psychosis Research Unit (NORMENT/KG Jebsens OUS)
- Anita Thapar, Cardiff University
- Preben Bo Mortensen, Lundbeck Foundation
- Eivind Ystrøm, Public Health and Prevention
Summary
PsychGen core project: Genetic epidemiology studies of neurodevelopment and mental health
The main purpose of the PsychGen core project is to obtain new knowledge about how genetic and environmental factors affect neurodevelopment and mental health by using large data sources and genetically informed analysis methods.
We primarily use data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort (MoBa). MoBa follows more than 100,000 children and their parents from early pregnancy through birth, childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. The data also include blood samples that provide information on genetic factors. By combining genetic and questionnaire data from MoBa with data from national health registers (for example from the primary and specialist health services) and other registry data (for example on educational attainment), we have a unique opportunity to investigate the emergence and course of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions in the population. The large sample size and the broad range of measures will enable us to address limitations in previous research, and to investigate areas not previously accessible.
Neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions are influenced by thousands of genetic variants, each of which typically has very little effect, but together genetic variants contribute substantially. Using data from major international collaborative projects, we identify genetic variants that are associated with various neurodevelopmental and mental health traits. We calculate the MoBa participants’ genetic predisposition (for example polygenic scores) for conditions such as ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, schizophrenia, eating disorders, Bipolar Disorder, depression, and related traits such as educational achievement, BMI and personality features. The researchers will investigate in which phases of life, from newborn to adulthood, the genetic predisposition is expressed in observable traits. We investigate various developmental domains such as language, communication, motor and attentional regulation, and other characteristics like mental and physical health, BMI, personality traits, school performance and use of health care services.
Increased understanding of the interplay between genes and environmental factors will be central. We will use genetically informed approaches to investigate potentially causal relationships between environmental factors and mental health-related conditions and traits. For example, we will investigate how genetic predispositions and environmental factors related to neurodevelopment and mental health are transmitted within families. We also aim to increase understanding of the interaction between genes and environmental factors.
The results from the project could have profound implications for the understanding of neurodevelopment and mental health, and for the development of preventive and health-promoting services for mental health, wellbeing, life-satisfaction and independence.