Bipolar disorder is a common, chronic, and recurring mental disorder with a poorly understood and complex genetic basis. Epigenetic mechanisms refer to the regulation of DNA transcription without alteration of the nucleotide sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms are: DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding micro RNAs. Epigenetic information is not stored in the DNA nucleotide sequence; nevertheless it can be transmitted through generations. Recent studies have indicated that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and also in the mechanisms of action of current medications used for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Keywords: bipolar disorder, epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modulation, micro RNAs, mood stabilizers