[Pharmacogenomics and future antidepressant research].
Although antidepressants have been used clinically for more than 50 years, no consensus has been reached concerning their precise molecular mechanism of action. Pharmacogenomics is a powerful tool that can be used to identify genes affected by antidepressants or by other effective therapeutic manipulations. Using this tool we have previously identified more than 300 cDNA fragments as antidepressant-related genes. Some of these candidate genes may encode common functional molecules induced by chronic antidepressant treatment. Defining the roles of these molecules in drug-induced neural plasticity is likely to transform the course of research on the biological basis of antidepressants. Such detailed knowledge will have profound effects on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of depression. Novel biological approaches beyond the "monoamine hypothesis" are expected to evoke paradigm shifts in the future of antidepressant research.
Yamada
Mitsuhiko
M
Department of Psychiatry, Showa University, Karasuyama Hospital.
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D010597:Pharmacogenetics
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines