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They discover that the OTX2 protein regulates anxiety in mice

They discover that the OTX2 protein regulates anxiety in mice

Top Doctors
Top Doctors editorial
Top Doctors
Created by: Top Doctors editorial
Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 04/06/2021

Researchers from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and the Collège de France stress the importance of continuing with experiments on animals with more complex brains.


Research published in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry, from the Nature group, describes for the first time the process by which the OTX2 protein regulates nervous behavior in adult mice. Thus, it is a step to understand the mechanism of Anxiety.


Academics from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and the Collège de France participated in the work, who subjected mutant rodents to various behavioral tests in order to determine their response to the environment.


Likewise, they carried out genetic and tissue studies in different areas of the brain, which involved infections with viruses modified to different models in order to ensure that the observed phenotype was repeated in different conditions.


Javier Gilabert, co-author of the research, explained that when mice express a lower amount of the OTX2 protein, an anxiolytic effect occurs, while when the amount is greater, the opposite effect occurs.


"We do not know exactly the mechanism by which this happens," said Gilabert, "but we do know that, in some way, the amount of protein determines the response to stressful situations."


He also stated that the involvement of this protein in learning processes and neuronal plasticity was already known, in addition to the fact that it had been observed to intervene in the susceptibility to suffering from Depression. However, it was unknown that it could intervene in the regulation of Anxiety.


This is why the researchers underlined the interest in understanding the mechanism more precisely and testing it in mammals with complex brains. In addition, they consider that OTX2 could facilitate the effect of some drugs.


According to the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), Anxiety Disorders are the most common Mental Disorders.


Stigma of Mental Illness

Sometimes Mental Illnesses carry a stigma, that is, a negative social response in which those affected are seen as unacceptable or inferior. Because of this, Gilabert stressed the importance of accepting them "as we normalize Diabetes or Cancer."


He also insisted on the importance of investigating these ills, as well as visiting the Psychiatrist or Psychologist when necessary and establishing systems so that Therapies are more accessible.


In case you need assistance, you can resort to tools such as Telemedicine. At Top Doctors we have e-Consultation, where you can get an appointment by Videoconsultation or private chat with our different specialists.

Psychology