Light on the anxiety gene

17 October 2004

Scientists have developed a new approach to identifying the genetic basis of behaviour which could provide a breakthrough in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Applying a novel mathematical analysis to mouse genetics, researchers based at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in Oxford have discovered a gene called Rgs2, which contributes to variation in emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

RGS2 is only one of many genes that play a part in the condition and the new approach will allow the research team to find others.

Estimates vary but it is believed one in five women and 12 per cent of men in the UK will suffer serious depression at some time in their lives.

Psychiatrist Dr Jonathan Flint, who led the Wellcome Trust funded project with Dr Richard Mott, said: "This is an important step because there have been no new treatments for depression for something like 20 years. Identifying this gene could eventually change that."

"The beauty of this research is that we now have a simplified method of working through a menu of genes. Before we arrived at the right method it was a bit of a guessing game."

The team's technique, which is outlined in 'Nature Genetics' online today, also allows investigations into genes involved in other complex quantitative traits, such as asthma and obesity.

Dr Mott said: "The technique identifies regions of the genome that contain DNA variants that influence behaviour. We can map these regions with very high resolution, and then find the gene."