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PGAM5 Genetics & Depression via ATP Levels in the Prefrontal Cortex (2023 Mouse Study)

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex and prevalent psychiatric condition that affects millions worldwide, yet its underlying mechanisms remain only partially understood. Recent research sheds light on the critical roles of phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the brain, offering new insights into how disruptions in energy metabolism can …

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Genetics Predict Suicide Risk in U.S. Army Soldiers (2024 Polygenic Analysis)

Suicide remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with its prevention a top priority for both public health initiatives and individual care strategies. Recent research in the US Army offers new insights into the genetic underpinnings of suicide attempts, suggesting that polygenic risk scores (PRS) could become a valuable tool in identifying individuals at risk. …

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Genetics of Common Executive Function (Cognition) from UK Biobank Data (2023 Study)

Executive functioning (EF) is a cognitive cornerstone essential for goal-directed behaviors and complex thinking. Recent research leveraging the massive UK Biobank dataset has shed new light on the genetic underpinnings of EF, revealing its distinct genetic profile from intelligence (IQ) and its intricate link with psychiatric disorders. This study underscores the importance of EF in …

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T2943 Treats Depression via Epigenetics: HDAC5 Inibitor in Hippocampus (2024 Study)

Depression remains one of the most pervasive and challenging mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide with a significant number not responding to traditional treatments. Emerging research underscores the role of histone modifications in depression, pointing towards epigenetic mechanisms as potential targets for novel antidepressants. Specifically, a compound known as T2943 (a histone deacetylase-5 (HDAC5) inhibitor), …

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Calorie Restriction (CR) Effects on Brain Gene Expression & Behavior in Rats (2023 Study)

Calorie restriction (CR) is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits beyond just weight loss, including reducing anxiety, slowing aging, and mitigating the risk of obesity. Recent research focused on how both short-term and long-term CR affect behavior and gene expression in various brain regions, providing insights into the molecular underpinnings of these effects. Highlights: Behavioral …

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Pharmacogenomics (PGx) for Depression: Genetic Analysis to Amplify Antidepressant Efficacy? (2023 Review)

Depression, a leading cause of disability globally, often presents challenges in treatment due to the variability in individual responses to antidepressants. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing, an approach aligning treatment with genetic makeup, promises to tailor depression therapy more effectively. Highlights: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) impacts a significant portion of the global population, with traditional treatments often …

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Genetics of Major Depression vs. Symptom Scales (PHQ-9 & CIDI-SF) (2023 Study)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) presents a significant challenge in mental health, with its complex genetic and symptomatic landscape. Recent research focusing on the UK Biobank data has compared the genetic underpinnings of MDD symptoms assessed by the PHQ-9 and CIDI-SF tools. This comparison has highlighted significant differences in their genetic correlations and implications for understanding …

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