Researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Exeter have uncovered a gene in the brain linked to anxiety symptoms, presenting a potential new avenue for treatment. This gene is regulated by a molecule called miR483-5p, which suppresses another gene, Pgap2, responsible for stress-induced changes in the brain. Their study, published in Nature Communications, identifies the miR483-5p/Pgap2 pathway as crucial for regulating anxiety. Currently, anxiety disorders affect about one in four people throughout their lives, but existing treatments often lack effectiveness, as many patients do not achieve remission. This research highlights the complex interplay of genetic, biochemical, and structural alterations in the amygdala, the brain region associated with anxiety. Following acute stress in animal models, miR483-5p levels increased, leading to reduced expression of Pgap2, which, when inhibited, promoted anxiety relief. The findings suggest that targeting this pathway could lead to the development of novel, more effective anxiolytic therapies. Dr. Valentina Mosienko, a lead author of the study, emphasized the potential of miRNAs in addressing complex neuropsychiatric conditions like anxiety, stressing the need for better therapeutic strategies. The study received funding from several organizations, including the Medical Research Council and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
