The BC Psychosis Program Biobank and Database for Genetic Polymorphisms and Their Associations With Psychosis Disorder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine if candidate polymorphisms in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) are predictive of psychosis disorder severity, symptomology, and resolution in patients at BCPP. A secondary objective will be to form a biorepository of blood and saliva samples from patients at BCPP so that further genetic, proteonomic and pharmacogenomic studies may be done to gain insight into the genetic basis of differences in psychosis disorder presentation and manifestation, and differences in response to antipsychotic drug treatment.

Detailed Description
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This is a population-based, genetic-association, candidate polymorphism study. It will involve a prospective and a retrospective component. A blood draw or saliva sample will be performed during the participant's admission to BCPP, which may occur at any point during the participant's length of stay. When a participant has been deemed 'Ready for Discharge' by his/her attending psychiatrist at BCPP, a full phenotype will be obtained via retrospective chart review. Genetic analyses and determination of protein levels will be performed after chart review. Following fulfillment of the primary study objective, the remaining blood and saliva samples will be stored in the biobank over the long-term.

Official Title
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BC Psychosis Program Biobank and Database for Investigating Genetic Polymorphisms of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Catechol-o-methyl Transferase and Their Associations With Psychosis Disorder

Conditions
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Psychosis, Schizophrenia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Genetic: Blood samples for whole genomic/transcriptomic sequencing


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Admission to BCPP. Has provided written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: None.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Participants admitted to BCPP<br>Blood or saliva samples will be collected from participants for whole genomic/transcriptomic sequencing | Genetic: Blood samples for whole genomic/transcriptomic sequencing<br>* Participant will receive one blood draw whereby two samples will be extracted. If the participant wishes to participate in the study but is fearful of needles, they may be given the option to provide a saliva sample. A retrospective medical chart review will be performed after participant is discharged from BCPP in order to obtain a full phenotype. Genotyping of BDNF and COMT will be performed. Protein levels of BDNF will be determined. The remaining blood or saliva samples will be stored over the long-term in a biorepository at the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Institute. A retrospective medical chart review will be completed after the participant is discharged.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Creation of biorepository of blood samples for future genetic, proteonomic and pharmacogenomic studies. | A biobank of stored samples will be used to determine the genetic variability in psychosis disorder. | One visit during participant's stay at BCPP, an expected average of 6 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the BDNF and COMT genes | We will determine if specific genetic variants in BDNF and COMT genes are associated with psychosis disorder severity, symptomology and resolution. | One visit during participant's stay at BCPP, an expected average of 6 months | 
| Medical Chart Review | A medical chart review will be done on hard-copy medical charts at BCPP. | One visit during participant's stay at BCPP, an expected average of 6 months |