Cellular and molecular networks underlying psychiatric disorders
Cellular and molecular networks underlying psychiatric disorders
Cellular and molecular networks underlying psychiatric disorders
Psychiatric disorders, like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and others, are believed to arise from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. At the cellular and molecular level, research has identified multiple interconnected networks and pathways that are dysregulated in these conditions. Understanding these networks can offer insights into disease mechanisms, potential therapeutic targets, and diagnostic strategies.
Here are some key cellular and molecular networks implicated in psychiatric disorders:
Neurotransmitter Systems:
Monoamines: Dysregulation in the levels or receptor sensitivities of monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE), have been implicated in disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Glutamate and GABA: These are the primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. Disruptions in their balance can lead to excitotoxicity and are thought to play roles in disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Neurotrophic Factors:
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Decreased BDNF levels have been observed in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. BDNF is essential for neuronal growth, differentiation, and survival.
Neuroinflammation:
Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha, have been shown to be elevated in various psychiatric conditions, suggesting an inflammatory component. This might also link psychiatric conditions with autoimmune disorders or chronic inflammatory states.
Hormonal Dysregulation:
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the stress response, is often dysregulated in depression, PTSD, and other stress-related disorders. Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may have various detrimental effects on the brain.
Synaptic Plasticity:
Synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, is vital for learning and memory. Deficits in plasticity mechanisms, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), have been found in conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
Cellular Energy Metabolism:
There's growing interest in the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and altered cellular energy metabolism in psychiatric disorders, especially considering the brain's high energy demand.
Oxidative Stress:
Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the body to counteract their harmful effects. Increased oxidative stress has been observed in various psychiatric disorders, suggesting a possible role in neuronal damage.
Epigenetic Modifications:
Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation or histone modification, can change gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. Stress, trauma, and environmental factors can induce these modifications, potentially contributing to psychiatric disorders.
Genetic and Genomic Networks:
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous risk genes associated with psychiatric disorders. Often, these genes are involved in the networks and pathways mentioned above, providing a more comprehensive picture of disease pathophysiology.
Understanding the intricate cellular and molecular networks underlying psychiatric disorders is a significant challenge, but it is crucial for advancing the field. By dissecting these networks, researchers aim to develop better therapeutic strategies, diagnostic tools, and, ultimately, preventive measures for these debilitating conditions.
Neuroscience 2023 and Artificial Intelligence
Neuroscience Meeting 2023 SBNeC - Summary of selected neuroscientific topics
(generated by ChatGPT):
Homeostasis Perception and Emotion in Panic
Antropologia Amerindia América Latina
Newborn Behavioral Observation
"Muscle matters: from human disease to human performance"
Transgenerational memories of trauma - epigenetic, physiological and mental health factors
Efeito de Realidade Virtual e Gamificação no Aprendizado
Vida moderna, Ritmos Biológicos, Sono, Homeostasia Fisiológica e Processos Cognitivos
Long-term cognitive and emotional impairments associated to hypercholesterolemia
Short- and long-term effects of ethanol on astrocyte functioning
Caffeine effects on brain development
Obesidade do neurodesenvolvimento ao envelhecimento
Repercussões fisiológicas e celulares da exposição aos pesticidas em períodos críticos do desenvolvimento
Distúrbios do Crescimento Celular
Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition
Cancer as a developmental disease
Scientific Question and Experimental Design
Epilepsy Neuroscience and Perception
Active Learning to Improve Engagement
The molecular basis of Exercise-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis
Neurochemical Underpinnings of Psychedelic-Induced Ego Dissolution
Recent advances in the neuroendocrine control of hydromineral homeostasis
Psychoneuroimmunology Immunoneuroendocrine interactions
Aproveitando a natureza dinâmica da memória para eliminar experiências traumáticas
Acerca da modificação de memórias episódicas
The biological response of ayahuasca
Variabilidade da frequência cardíaca como marcador da integração neurovisceral
Inteligência artificial, psicodélicos, e saúde mental
Efeitos do isolamento social e do enriquecimento ambiental na plasticidade do sistema nervoso
Neurociências e Educação: Reflexões sobre o Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH)
Cellular and molecular networks underlying psychiatric disorders
NEUROCIÊNCIAS E EDUCAÇÃO: PRÁTICAS BASEADAS EM EVIDÊNCIAS
O que sabemos hoje sobre as expressões faciais na psicopatia?
Aspectos Funcionais e Estruturais da Interação Glia-Neurônio
As bases neurobiológicas da aprendizagem e memória
O uso de jogos educacionais como estratégia de aprendizagem ativa
Processamento cerebral implícito - a construção de estereótipos
Neuroimagem funcional aplicada ao comportamento humano
O cérebro em tarefas cognitivas e no estado de repouso. Introdução à conectividade funcional
Neurociências e Comportamento Motor
Possível relação entre desenvolvimento motor e o desenvolvimento cognitivo e o desempenho acadêmico do indivíduo
