Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
04:42
Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
444
Polymorphic Variants of Neurotrophic Factor Genes in Affective Disorders: Pilot Study
Ekaterina V Mikhalitskaya1, Natalya M Vyalova1, Diana Z Paderina1
1Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Genetic variations in neurotrophic factor genes, like BDNF, are linked to affective disorders. Specific BDNF polymorphisms may serve as biomarkers for depression, influencing clinical traits and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neurotrophic factors regulate neuronal processes, including differentiation, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and plasticity.
- Dysregulation of neurotrophic factors is implicated in the etiology of affective disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in neurotrophic factor genes (BDNF, NGF, NRG1) and affective disorders.
- To explore the relationship between these polymorphisms and clinical characteristics, including disease severity and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 235 patients with affective disorders and 187 healthy controls.
- Assessment of mental state using SIGH-SAD, HARS, and CGI scales.
- Genotyping of polymorphic variants in BDNF, NGF, and NRG1 genes using real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the rs7124442 polymorphism in the BDNF gene and affective disorders.
- Most studied polymorphisms (excluding rs11030104 in BDNF) showed associations or trends with clinical characteristics and treatment response.
Conclusions:
- The studied neurotrophic genes, particularly BDNF, show potential as neurobiological markers for depression pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and therapeutic outcomes.
- Further large-scale, diverse ethnic group studies are warranted to confirm these findings and overcome study limitations.
Keywords:
SNPaffective disordersgenetic associationneurotrophic factorssingle-nucleotide polymorphismsMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
716
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...
716
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
165
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
165
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
145
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
145
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
1.6K
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
1.6K
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
4.4K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
4.4K
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
1.2K
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
1.2K