Anxiety may be caused by a gene in the brain that scientists have identified and are paving the way for new treatments for the condition.
Researchers have tried to identify the brain changes underlying fear. They focused on a group of molecules known as miRNAs or miRNAs in animal models.
This important group of molecules, also found in the human brain, regulates proteins that control cellular processes in the amygdala central part of the brain, the amygdala. The primary function of the amygdala is in emotional responses, including happiness, anxiety, anger, and fear.
Severe psychological trauma can cause genetic changes in amygdala neurons, leading to anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. The little success we have had in developing powerful anti-anxiety drugs is the result of our poor understanding of the brain changes that underlie anxiety.
In mice, the team found an increased number of miR483-5p type molecules in the amygdala after acute stress. Importantly, they showed that elevated levels of miR483-5p downregulate the expression of Pgap2, another gene that controls anxiety-related brain changes and behaviors, thus acting as a molecular brake to prevent anxiety.
Scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Exeter said the findings are a first step towards discovering new, more effective and much-needed treatments for anxiety disorders.
One in four people is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at least once in their lives, but the effectiveness of currently available anti-anxiety medications is low: more than half of patients do not achieve remission after treatment.
Dr Valentina Mosienko, one of the lead authors of the study from the University of Bristol, said: “Stress can trigger a range of neuropsychiatric disorders resulting from an unfavorable combination of genetic and environmental factors. While low levels of stress are compensated by the natural adaptability of the brain, severe or prolonged traumatic experiences can overcome stress tolerance mechanisms and lead to the development of pathological conditions such as depression or anxiety.
“MiRNAs are in a strategic position to control complex neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety. But the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which they regulate stress tolerance and sensitivity are largely unknown.
“The miR483-5p/Pgap2 pathway that we identified in this study, whose activation exerts anti-anxiety effects, has great potential for developing anti-anxiety therapies for complex psychiatric disorders in humans.”
The discovery was published today in communication with nature.
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.