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Molecular Advances in Mental Disorders

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2024) | Viewed by 1074

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Interests: neuroinflammation; anxiety; learning and memory; hippocampal; mental disorder

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The following Special Issue, “Molecular Advances in Mental Disorders”, delves into the latest scientific breakthroughs that are reshaping our understanding of mental health conditions at the molecular level. With the advent of advanced molecular biology techniques, researchers are uncovering the intricate biochemical and genetic mechanisms underlying various mental disorders, offering new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The following Specail Issue will include a wide range of topics—genetic and epigenetic insights, neurotransmitter systems, biomarkers for early diagnosis, molecular therapeutics, neuroinflammation and immune response, and lastly neural circuit and synaptic plasticity. The convergence of molecular biology and mental health research holds promise for transforming the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This Special Issue underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continued investment in molecular research to unravel the complexities of mental health conditions. By advancing our molecular understanding, we move closer to a future where mental disorders can be managed with greater precision and efficacy. “Molecular Advances in Mental Disorders” offers a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art research in this rapidly evolving field. The insights gained from these studies pave the way for innovative treatments and improved outcomes for individuals affected by mental health conditions. This Special Issue is a testament to the transformative potential of molecular research in addressing the profound challenges posed by mental disorders.

Dr. Anupam Sah
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • mental disorders
  • molecular biology techniques
  • biochemical and genetic mechanisms
  • neurotransmitter systems
  • biomarker
  • molecular therapeutics
  • neuroinflammation
  • immune response
  • neural circuit
  • synaptic plasticity

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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16 pages, 1328 KiB  
Article
GDAP1 Is Dysregulated at DNA Methylation and H3K4me3 Levels in Alcohol Use Disorder
by Emilia Kawecka, Henning Plättner, Lena Ederer, Kilian Niemann, Sarah Pasche, Milan Zimmermann, Susanne Edelmann and Vanessa Nieratschker
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041623 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 845
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. The susceptibility for AUD is mediated through an interaction of genetic risk factors and environmental influences. These gene × environment (G × E) interactions manifest as epigenetic regulations of gene expression, [...] Read more.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. The susceptibility for AUD is mediated through an interaction of genetic risk factors and environmental influences. These gene × environment (G × E) interactions manifest as epigenetic regulations of gene expression, among other things. Previous research suggests an association between Ganglioside Induced Differentiation Associated Protein 1 (GDAP1) DNA methylation and AUD. Here, we investigate the epigenetic dysregulation of GDAP1 in AUD through comparing DNA methylation in whole blood and saliva, as well as H3K4-trimethylation (H3K4me3) in PBMC (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell) samples of AUD patients and healthy control individuals. Additionally, the effect of abstinence-based therapy was investigated. AUD patients before treatment exhibit significantly lower promoter DNA methylation levels in whole blood and saliva, as well as lower H3K4me3 near the transcription start site. GDAP1 gene expression was not significantly altered. Following treatment, H3K4me3 was significantly increased in patients and no longer differed from control individuals. There was no significant effect of treatment on DNA methylation. We conclude that GDAP1 is epigenetically dysregulated in AUD patients, and is responsive to abstinence-based therapy at the level of H3K4me3. It should be investigated further to establish its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Mental Disorders)
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