Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2025
06:39
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
3.0K
The complex interaction between oestrogen receptor genes, oestradiol, and perinatal mood
Gianna Zorzini1, Alexandra Johann1, Jelena Dukic1
1Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
|March 21, 2025
Summary
Genetic variations in the oestrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) gene are linked to increased susceptibility to perinatal mood disturbances. These ER-α gene variations influence mood independently of oestradiol levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Genetic variations in oestrogen receptor (ER) genes influence individual sensitivity to ER-α, ER-β, and GPER.
- These sensitivity differences may affect mood during hormonal fluctuations, contributing to individual vulnerability.
- Understanding the role of ER gene variations in perinatal mood is crucial for identifying at-risk individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between ER gene variations, oestradiol levels, and perinatal mood disturbances.
- To investigate the specific role of ER-α, ER-β, and GPER gene variations in mood regulation during the perinatal period.
- To determine if oestradiol levels mediate the relationship between ER gene variations and mood.
Main Methods:
- 159 women were monitored during the perinatal period.
- Saliva samples were collected for oestradiol assessment, and participants completed mood symptom questionnaires.
- ER gene polymorphisms were identified from dried blood spots, and data were analyzed using linear mixed models.
Main Results:
- Specific ER-α gene haplotypes (CG and TA) were significantly associated with perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms.
- The CG haplotype correlated with both depressive and anxiety symptoms (p=0.0162 and p=2.396e-05, respectively).
- The TA haplotype was associated with perinatal anxiety symptoms (p=0.004). The interaction between ER gene variations, oestradiol, and mood was not significant.
Conclusions:
- ER-α gene variations are associated with increased susceptibility to perinatal mood disturbances.
- ER-α sensitivity plays a significant role in emotional processes, potentially more so than ER-β and GPER.
- The dominant expression of ER-α in the hypothalamus and amygdala may explain its pronounced effect on mood.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Internal Receptors
69.1K
Many cellular signals are hydrophilic and therefore cannot pass through the plasma membrane. However, small or hydrophobic signaling molecules can cross the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane and bind to internal, or intracellular, receptors that reside within the cell. Many mammalian steroid hormones use this mechanism of cell signaling, as does nitric oxide (NO) gas.
69.1K
01:28Human Genetics
506
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
506
01:30Socioemotional Development during Infancy
27
Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Primary Temperament Types
27
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
30.8K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
30.8K
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
228
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
228
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
33.1K
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
33.1K