Panic disorder aging characteristics: The role of telomerase reverse transcriptase gene and brain function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Aging Research

Background:

• Panic disorder (PD) causes significant disability and accelerates aging.
• The molecular mechanisms linking PD, aging, and cognitive/social deficits are unclear.
• Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomere length (TL) are implicated in both aging and PD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between TERT gene expression, DNA methylation, and aging characteristics in PD.
• To explore the role of TERT in memory and social function within the context of PD-related aging.

Main Methods:

• Utilized TERT gene knockout mice to assess memory acquisition.
• Analyzed DNA methylation levels of the human TERT (hTERT) gene in PD patients and controls.
• Employed Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) analysis to examine brain function related to hTERT methylation and social function.

Main Results:

• TERT knockout mice showed impaired recent fear memory acquisition.
• PD patients exhibited significantly lower hTERT gene methylation compared to healthy controls.
• Decreased CpG methylation in the hTERT promoter region correlated with PD clinical characteristics.
• hTERT methylation influenced social function by modulating left postcentral gyrus activity.

Conclusions:

• The hTERT gene plays a crucial role in the pathological basis of PD-related aging.
• hTERT methylation may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing accelerated aging in PD.
• Findings provide evidence for the genetic and pathological mechanisms underlying PD and its aging features.