Scientists Identify Gene Linked to Anxiety, Demonstrate Reversal in Mouse Study
BOSTON, MA - researchers have pinpointed a gene, Grik4, that appears to play a critical role in the neural circuitry underlying anxiety, and have successfully reversed anxiety-like behaviors in mice by restoring the gene to normal levels. The breakthrough, published in the journal iScience, offers a potential new avenue for targeted treatments of emotional disorders in humans.
Anxiety disorders affect hundreds of millions worldwide, considerably impacting quality of life and contributing to a range of other health problems. Current treatments, including therapy and medication, aren’t effective for everyone and frequently enough come with side effects. This new research suggests a more precise approach – directly addressing a key biological mechanism driving anxiety – could be possible. The studyS findings represent a meaningful step toward developing targeted therapies that could offer relief to those struggling with anxiety,perhaps with fewer unwanted effects.
The research team,led by juan Lerma,focused on the amygdala,a brain region central to processing emotions like fear and anxiety. They discovered that mice with reduced levels of Grik4 exhibited heightened amygdala excitability, alongside behaviors indicative of anxiety, depression, and disrupted social interaction. Specifically, these mice showed a preference for isolating themselves in enclosed spaces.
“Identifying such a crucial role for such a small population of neurons in the amygdala circuit shows that a subtle change can reversibly disrupt this circuit,” Lerma stated.
To test whether restoring Grik4 levels could alleviate these symptoms, the researchers employed gene therapy to rebalance the gene in the affected mice. The treatment normalized communication between neurons in the amygdala, allowing messages to flow properly and releasing a key neurotransmitter at the synapse. Following the gene therapy, the mice no longer exhibited the previously observed anxiety and social withdrawal.
The study remains in its early stages, with all experiments conducted on mice. However, the researchers are optimistic that the findings could eventually translate to a targeted treatment for human anxiety. Meanwhile, they suggest practices like conscious breathing can help manage worry.
