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Freud-1 gene lives up to its name
March 14, 2018
When Dr.
Paul Albert
coined the name “Freud-1” for a novel gene he discovered in 2003, he had high hopes that it would prove to be important in mental health, just as Sigmund Freud’s theories were. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Albert and his team have published dozens of studies linking the Freud-1 protein with the serotonin system, which controls feelings of well-being and happiness. Their latest paper, published in the
Journal of Neuroscience
, provides some of the most convincing evidence yet that Freud-1 plays a master role in mental health. They generated mice that lacked Freud-1 in serotonin-producing neurons and showed that these mice had reduced serotonin, greater anxiety and depression, and were resistant to treatment with antidepressants that target serotonin. Dr. Albert’s team has previously shown that people with similar, naturally-occurring genetic mutations have similar symptoms. This research could lead to new treatments for depression and anxiety.
Authors:
Vahid-Ansari F, Daigle M, Manzini MC, Tanaka KF, Hen R, Geddes SD, Béïque JC, James J, Merali Z, Albert PR
Funding and acknowledgements:
Dr. Albert is a senior scientist in The Ottawa Hospital’s Neuroscience Program and a professor at the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute. This paper also includes collaborators from George Washington University (USA), Keio University School of Medicine (Japan) and the Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research. This research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery. Research at The Ottawa Hospital is possible because of
generous donations to the hospital
.
The Ottawa Hospital: Inspired by research. Driven by compassion
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care. See www.ohri.ca for more information about research at The Ottawa Hospital.
University of Ottawa: —A crossroads of cultures and ideas
The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada’s top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today’s challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe. www.uottawa.ca
Media Contact
Jennifer Ganton
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73325
Cell: 613-614-5253
jganton@ohri.ca