Brain molecule discovered that regulates human emotion, mood

Brain indivisible particle discovered that regulates human emotion, disposition

A RIKEN research team has discovered each enzyme called Rines that regulates MAO-A, a major brain protein controlling emotion and disposition. The enzyme is a potentially giving ground of hope drug target for treating diseases associated by emotions such as depression.

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, norephinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters well-known with a view to their influence on emotion and mood. Nicknamed the "warrior gene", a variant of the MAOA gene has been associated through increased risk of violent and anti-familiar behavior.

While evidence points to a fasten together between MAO-A levels and diversified emotional patterns, however, the mechanism controlling MAO-A levels in the brain has remained unnoted.

Now, a research team headed dint of Jun Aruga at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute has shown conducive to the first time that a ligase named Rines (RING finger-type E3 ubiquitin ligase) regulates these levels. Their exploration shows that mice without the Rines gene display impaired stress responses and enhanced disquiet, controlled in part through the disposal of MAO-A levels. The study is published today in Journal of Neuroscience.

As the chief study to demonstrate regulation of MAO-A protein via the ubiquitin proteasomal system, this study presents a promising new avenue with a view to analyzing the role of MAO-A in brain province. Further research promises insights into the treatment of anxiety, stress-related disorders and impaired social functions.