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A multi-site, international collaborative group of investigators is studying the genetics of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. These collaborative studies have generated a substantial amount of data on the clinical phenomena and genetics of eating disorders.

This web site serves as a means for the dissemination of scientific information generated by the above mentioned studies. It is our intent that this web site will be an educational tool for those in academia as well as those afflicted with eating disorders and their families who are interested in learning about genetic research in eating disorders. Topics such as current research studies seeking participation, new research findings, eating disorder warning signs, and guidelines to treatment will be posted.

PRICE FOUNDATION CANDIDATE GENE PROJECT

The primary purpose of this second generation Price Foundation study is to evaluate specific candidate genes that may play a role in the genetic susceptibility to eating disorders by performing genetic association studies. Secondary analyses will be performed investigating various behavioral and psychological phenotypes.

Between 1996 and 2002, the Price Foundation sponsored the collection of approximately 2000 participants with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, 2000 parents, and 750 control women. To date, this project has generated over 35 publications that help to establish the role of genetics in eating disorder vulnerability.  

The primary approach includes the assessment of 6568 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 190 genes in 1218 cases with a lifetime history of anorexia nervosa and 750 unrelated controls, and is currently under way. The candidate gene selection for the genetic association studies was based on previous genomewide linkage findings and expert consensus.

Support of the Price Foundation is acknowledged.

Last Modified 12 February 2008 http://www.wpic.pitt.edu

Link to our NIMH Genetics of Anorexia Nervosa study.

Link to our brain imaging study.

Link to the UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program.





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The information contained in this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer medical advice for the treatment of eating disorders, or to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.