| title: | Relation of anxiety disorders to serotonergic gene polymorphisms |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF5234 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
3. Medical Sciences |
| status: | completed |
| institution: | University of Tartu |
| head of project: | Aavo Lang |
| duration: | 01.01.2002 - 31.12.2004 |
| description: | Many clinical and preclinical data indicate that serotonergic pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety. Genetic factors are shown to play an important role in the etiology of anxiety disorders. Therefore, the task of our studies is to reveal the relation of serotonergic gene polymorphisms to anxiety disorders. Recently, several serotonergic polymorphisms are discovered which may be functional. For normal function, all steps of neurotransmission (synthesis of mediator, metabolic enzymes, pre- and postsynaptic receptors) are important. Currently, most abundant data are available about serotonin transporter. Polymorphism of serotonin transporter may serve as a basis for different psychic disorders or personality pattern. Also, persons with specific type of serotonin transporter gene polymorphism can be treated more effectively with certain psychoactive drugs. Other serotonergic gene polymorphisms (tryptophan hydroxylase, monoamine oxydase A, different serotonin receptors: 1A, 2A, 2C) are less studied, especially in relation to anxiety disorders. The main task of this project is to reveal the relation of gene polymorphisms of serotonergic system to anxiety disorders. The working hypothesis is that people possessing certain genotype of serotonin system can more easily develop an anxiety disorder. We also suggest that these genotypes may influence the efficacy of anxiolytic treatment. We plan to investigate the polymorphisms of following genes: tryptophan hydroxylase, monoamine oxydase A, serotonin transporter, serotonin receptors (1A, 2A, 2C). The proposed studies on possible relation of different types of the serotonergic genes with anxiety disorders would widen the knowledge about causal factors of anxiety. Practical side of the project involves possible determination of gene markers of anxiety and personality. Looking further, the results of the study may provide the clinicians with new diagnostic criteria for choosing the right medication. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Aavo Lang | University of Tartu Department of Physiology | Docent | |
| 2. | Eduard Maron | University of Tartu | PhD student | |
| 3. | Gunnar Tasa | University of Tartu | Researcher | |
| 4. | Veiko Vasar | University of Tartu | Head of Department | |