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Discovery About Serotonin Could Expand Knowledge of Addiction
An unexpected research discovery about the neurotransmitter serotonin could assist in the understanding of genetic factors in addiction and other behavioral health issues, scientists suggest.
A paper published in the journal Nature states that researchers have discovered a protein (Transglutaminase 2) that can directly attach serotonin to histone proteins, resulting in greater gene expression in the brain. This discovery raises numerous compelling questions, such as whether dopamine also could regulate gene expression in this manner and possibly affect the course of substance use disorders.
The researchers, based at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, also suggested that this new knowledge could help inform the development of more effective medications for mood disorders.
