Scientists at deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen, reveal today in Nature Genetics associations between rare loss-of-function variants in two genes and bipolar disorder.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, bouts of mania or hypomania, and episodes of depression. It is a highly heritable and serious condition, that when untreated comes with a high suicide rate. While there are several mood-stabilizing drugs available to treat the disorder, pharmaceutical treatment of bipolar disorder can have difficult side-effects and better treatments are urgently needed.
Significant progress has occurred over the last 15 years through genome-wide association studies leading to the identification of hundreds of biomarkers, i.e. DNA sequence variants, associated with the risk of psychiatric disease, including bipolar disorder. These biomarkers represent common variations each carrying a small risk, but in confluence, they are beginning to account for a considerable part of the variance in psychiatric traits and disorders. Variants predicted to cause loss of function of genes tend to be rare but hold great promise for informing on the underlying biology.
To harness the information contained in rare loss-of-function (LOF) variants, the scientists performed a variant burden analysis for bipolar disorder using gene-based aggregation of LOF variants in whole genome sequencing data from Iceland and the UK Biobank and using data from the Bipolar Exomes study (BipEx, www.bipex.broadinstitute.org/results) for replication and further meta-analysis efforts. The study revealed the association of LOF variants in two genes (HECTD2 and AKAP11) with bipolar disorder. Both associations with bipolar disorder are novel, but AKAP11 has previously been associated with psychosis and schizophrenia.
AKAP11 encodes an anchoring protein, that regulatory subunits of protein kinase A (PKA) bind to, leading to confinement of PKA to specific cellular locations. HECTD2 encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, that adds multiple ubiquitin groups to proteins, thereby labeling them for destruction by the proteasome. The products of both AKAP11 and HECTD2 interact with GSK3β, a protein inhibited by lithium, the most effective mood stabilizer available to treat bipolar disorder. These findings point to the dysfunction of specific cellular pathways in bipolar disorder and cast the gene products of AKAP11 and HECTD2 along with GSK3β as promising targets in the search for new treatments for bipolar disorder.
Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, deCODE genetics is a global leader in analyzing and understanding the human genome. Using its unique expertise and population resources, deCODE has discovered genetic risk factors for dozens of common diseases. The purpose of understanding the genetics of disease is to use that information to create new means of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. deCODE genetics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amgen.
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Rare loss-of-function variants in HECTD2 and AKAP11 confer a risk of bipolar disorder
BALI, Indonesia, April 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than 16 years of welcoming guests to the lush highlands of Ciumbuleuit, Padma Hotel Bandung has officially entered a period of temporary closure as part of a bold and forward-looking transformation. Padma Hotels, the parent brand behind this beloved property, shared their thoughts with us on what this next chapter truly means for the hotel, for the guests, and for hospitality in Indonesia.
"This is not merely a renovation, it is a reinvention," shared Nandang Suryana, Corporate Director of Operations at Padma Hotels. "Padma Hotel Bandung has long been more than a destination. It is a place where stories unfold—morning walks in the mist, family reunions by the pool, the kind of everyday moments that stay with you. Our aim is to preserve the soul of the hotel while evolving every touchpoint to meet the desires of tomorrow's travelers."
The transformation will encompass a comprehensive expansion of guest rooms and suites, the introduction of fresh culinary experiences, enhanced wellness and recreational offerings, and architectural refinements that reflect both contemporary design and a deep reverence for the natural surroundings. A core focus of the project will also be sustainability—ensuring that the beauty of Ciumbuleuit remains untouched and celebrated.
"This evolution is part of our broader commitment across Padma Hotels to deliver thoughtful luxury rooted in place, culture, and care," Nandang continued. "As one of our flagship properties, Padma Hotel Bandung will emerge not just with a new look, but with renewed purpose."
When asked about guest sentiment, Padma Hotels acknowledged the deep emotional ties many have with the Bandung property. "We know how much this hotel means to our guests. That is exactly why this transformation is so important. We're not stepping away, we're stepping up."
During the closure period, guests are encouraged to explore other Padma Hotels destinations across Indonesia. From the breezy beachfront lifestyle at Padma Resort Legian and the spiritual calm of Padma Resort Ubud, to the urban elegance of Padma Hotel Semarang and the industrial oasis of Resinda Hotel Karawang, the signature Padma experience remains accessible across diverse landscapes.
As for what awaits upon reopening? Padma Hotels promises more than new features. "We are creating a space that feels both familiar and surprising. A place where returning guests will feel seen, new guests will feel our signature hospitality, and the whole sensation of being home far away from home," Nandang concluded.
For updates on the transformation journey and future reopening details, please visit www.padmahotelbandung.com or follow @padmabandung on social media.
About Padma Hotels
Previously known as Sekar Alliance Hotel Management, Padma Hotels has two exclusive properties on the island of Bali, a hillside town of Bandung, a prestigious highland of Semarang, and an industrial area in Karawang. All of them are inspired by the rich artistry and cultural heritage of these unique locations. This is reflected through the design aesthetic as well as the gracious hospitality of each property. Padma Hotels is committed to the care and comfort of its guests through dedicated service and up-to-date facilities. Padma Resort Legian and Padma Resort Ubud are the perfect introduction to the carefree ambiance of tropical living, Padma Hotel Bandung uplifts the senses with breathtaking natural scenery, Padma Hotel Semarang brings resort ambiance and contemporary opulence to the city, while Resinda Hotel Karawang, managed by Padma Hotels, is an oasis in the centre of the industrial area.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
A CONVERSATION WITH PADMA HOTELS: VISION BEHIND THE ICONIC PADMA HOTEL BANDUNG'S TEMPORARY CLOSURE
