RO1 GM58647 Polymorphism of CYP2D6 in African Americans (1998-2001). L. DiAnne Bradford, Principal Investigator

The major aim of this study was to characterize the highly polymorphic liver enzyme, CYP2D6, in an African-American adult population. Major findings include: there is a "right-shift" of metabolic ratios (MR) in African Americans, compared with Caucasians. Almost 40% of African Americans are Intermediate or Poor Metabolizers of drugs mediated by CYP2D6. The slower metabolic rates can be accounted for by a number of novel alleles which code for reduced or no enzymatic metabolic activity (Gaedigk et al., 2002; 2003; Bradford, 2002). Since many antidepressants and antipsychotics are mediated by CYP2D6, these findings have clear clinical implications for psychopharmacology. A grant application has been submitted as an "add on" to the Schizophrenia study described below. This study would assess the correlation between CYP2D6 genotype and response to antipsychotic medication.

P24 MH58272 Minority Research Infrastructure Support Program (MRISP) (1998-present); Screening, diagnosis and treatment of depression in African American Primary Care Centers. L. DiAnne Bradford, Principal Investigator.

The major aims for this grant are to establish the capability of conducting mental health research at Morehouse School of Medicine, and to provide a framework for developmental protocols to be supported as supplements. The major findings from the Screening for depression study includes: African Americans who are depressed seldom report the typical symptoms of depressed mood and sadness - especially the men. African Americans are more likely to report somatic symptoms, including sleep disturbances, lassitude and pain symptoms. Using traditional screening scales likely results in significantly under diagnosis of depression in African Americans, especially men. A high frequency of depression co-morbid with other medical conditions - especially hypertension and diabetes - was observed in this high risk population. Co-morbid depression increased the morbidity of the other medical condition, as reflected in an increased burden of illness. These preliminary data have been submitted in Dr. Strothers' and Dr. Omonuwa's MRISP supplement application this year.

RO1 MH66006 Schizophrenia Liability Genes among African Americans (2002-2007) (PARTNERS). L. DiAnne Bradford, Principal Investigator

This multicenter study is the largest genetic association and linkage study investigating genotypic and endophenotypic predictors of schizophrenia ever done in any population. Throughout the seven centers, almost 7,000 affected probands and their family members will undergo a rigorous research diagnostic procedure, complete family histories and a computer-assisted neurocognitive battery. This site will recruit about 200 African Americans with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia over the next four years. An additional 500 family members will also participate in the study. In addition to Dr. Bradford as the Principal Investigator, Gail Mattox, MD, Valrie Honablue (MD) and Emile Risby (MD, Emory) are co-investigators.

This study is being conducted in Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. If you, or a family member, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and you are interested in participating in this study, please contact the following telephone number in the Atlanta area: 404-752-8662. All others, contact 1-877-227-8637.