MadSci Network: Genetics
Query:

Re: What is the 's gene' and is it related to mental disorders?

Date: Sun Jul 27 23:03:12 2003
Posted By: Alex Goddard, Grad student, Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School
Area of science: Genetics
ID: 1058678983.Ge
Message:

Kathleen-

     I've tried to look up as many "S genes" as I could, and I couldn't find any direct hits. I think the most common "s gene" (referred to as such) refers to the hemoglobin gene involved with sickle cell anemia - as you have found out. Another one refers to a 'spike protein' present on viruses; it's important for a virus' ability to attack cells.

     In thinking about the second part of your question, though, I think I've hit upon something. There is a very important brain gene that begins an 'S': It's called Serotonin (also referred to as 5-Hydroxy tryptophan, or 5-HT, its chemical name). It is thought to be crucial to our moods, and its levels are substantially altered in people who have depression or anxiety disorders (and treatments which affect Serotonin often help alleviate those conditions).

     You can find a gabillion hits on Google about serotonin; unfortunately, lots of them are trying to sell you something. I'll direct you to just a few that I've glanced at and seem to have some more valuable info. First and foremost, I highly recommend looking up 'serotonin' in the Mad Scientist Search page, as several questions have been asked concerning its role in various brain processes. Here's a page describing some of the roles of serotonin in our behavior. Another page which talks about some of the nuts and bolts of serotonin and anxiety can be found here.

     I hope this provides with you some useful info, or at least a start towards answering your question - if you can't find the exact answer you're looking for, please do ask another question here!

-Alex G
cgoddard@fas.harvard.edu


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