This project used data from the Imaging Genetics in Psychosis study to investigate trauma-related biological changes – including epigenetic (e.g., methylation) markers – shared among schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients. Gene methylation is a biological process associated with environmental exposures that is known to regulate gene expression. In this study we investigated epigenetic markers and their relationship to diagnostic status, cognitive performance, brain phenotypes and genetic vulnerability for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

This project received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (Project APP1081603; 2015 – 2017).

Completed PhD students: Dr Oliver Watkeys, Dr Nina Teroganova.

External collaborators: Murray Cairns (Newcastle), Sarah Cohen-Woods (Adelaide), Naomi Wray (UQ)