The gene, the deletion of which improves mood, has been found by the researchers from the University of Maryland (USA).
During the experiment, they blocked the PKCI/HINT1 gene in laboratory mice and then examined their behavior. It turned out that the rodents deprived of the “sad” gene had a much better mood. Scientists suppose that the gene is responsible for the production of a yet unidentified protein having the effect opposite to endorphins and worsening the mood.
If the assumptions are true, in the nearest future the protein will become a target for the new-generation antidepressants. In the future, scientists will fight depression with gene therapy.
