(Press-News.org) A RIKEN research team has discovered an enzyme called Rines that regulates MAO-A, a major brain protein controlling emotion and mood. The enzyme is a potentially promising drug target for treating diseases associated with emotions such as depression.
Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, norephinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters well-known for their influence on emotion and mood. Nicknamed the "warrior gene", a variant of the MAOA gene has been associated with increased risk of violent and anti-social behavior.
While evidence points to a link between MAO-A levels and various emotional patterns, however, the mechanism controlling MAO-A levels in the brain has remained unknown.
Now, a research team headed by Jun Aruga at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute has shown for the first time that a ligase named Rines (RING finger-type E3 ubiquitin ligase) regulates these levels. Their research shows that mice without the Rines gene exhibit impaired stress responses and enhanced anxiety, controlled in part through the regulation of MAO-A levels. The study is published today in Journal of Neuroscience.
As the first study to demonstrate regulation of MAO-A protein via the ubiquitin proteasomal system, this research presents a promising new avenue for analyzing the role of MAO-A in brain function. Further research promises insights into the treatment of anxiety, stress-related disorders and impaired social functions.
INFORMATION:
This press release will be available after embargo at: http://www.riken.jp/en/pr/press/2013/20130807_2/
Reference
Kabayama et al.
Rines E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Regulates MAO-A Levels and Emotional Responses
Journal of Neuroscience, 2013 DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5717-12.2013
About RIKEN
RIKEN is Japan's flagship research institute for basic and applied research. Over 2500 papers by RIKEN researchers are published every year in reputable scientific and technical journals, covering topics ranging across a broad spectrum of disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, medical science and engineering. RIKEN's advanced research environment and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration has earned itself an unparalleled reputation for scientific excellence in Japan and around the world.
Website: http://www.riken.jp
Find us on Twitter at @riken_en
About the RIKEN Brain Science Institute
The RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI) was established to address the fundamental need for cutting-edge neuroscience research in the service of society and today enjoys an international reputation as an innovative center for brain research and training. Research at BSI integrates a wide range of disciplines to understand brain functions connecting neural circuits and cognition. The approaches span the fields of medicine, biology, physics, technology, information science, mathematical science, and psychology. BSI is also leading efforts to recruit talented researchers worldwide in support of global scientific career development.
Researchers uncover brain molecule regulating human emotion, mood
2013-08-07
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