Central Biorepository Spotlight: Bipolar Disorder
The Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program's Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder
The Prechter Program’s Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder is an active study of the Central Biorepository (CBR), a unit of the UMMS Office of Research, which facilitates discovery and improves healthcare outcomes by providing high-quality, highly annotated biospecimens donated for basic, clinical and translational research.
The unit receives biospecimens and data from U-M contributors and collaborators across a spectrum of medical research. These samples, annotated with clinical and research data, are accessible to members of the U-M research enterprise.
Types of Biospecimens
- DNA
- Plasma
Population
1,200 participants, with more than 700+ of those individuals having samples in the Central Biorepository. The study is currently enrolling participants with:
- Bipolar disorder
- No first-degree family history of mental health disorder

Access
The Central Biorepository enables access to thousands of Prechter biospecimens from Michigan Medicine patients and offers secure linkage to laboratory and clinical data offered by the Data Office.
Get started:
- Search the Bipolar Disease cohort on the self-serve tool, DataDirect.
- Complete and submit a CBR Use Proposal Form available on research.medicine.umich.edu/biorepository and send to CBR.requests@umich.edu.
- With IRB and oversight committee approval, datasets can be downloaded
"Our flagship Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder reflects the participation and contributions of countless individuals. Through the experiences volunteered by so many, we will gain greater knowledge and understanding to form the base for improved treatments for this illness."- Melvin McInnis, M.D., Professor
The Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program
The Prechter Program’s Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder aims to discover the underlying biological mechanisms of bipolar illness. Through cellular and genetic research, new technologies and clinical assessments, Prechter researchers establish the biological mechanisms and patterns of personal behavior that will enable them to identify disease course, predict mood changes, and intervene early and effectively.
Questions?
Contact us at CBR.Requests@umich.edu or (734) 647-8809
Hours of Operation: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, M-F
North Campus Research Complex, Building 60-1661, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
A list of Central Biorepository contacts is available in the Personnel Directory