Molecular genetics in the analysis of suicide.
Each year, one million people die of suicide. Among the different identified risk factors, genetic factors seem to be part of a multidimensional behavior, including psychiatric, psychosocial, biological factors and physical illness. Family studies have provided evidence for familial transmission in suicide, confirmed in twin and adoption studies. At a molecular level, serotonin seems to be one of the key neurotransmitters implicated in suicidal behavior. Therefore, genes coding for proteins involved in serotonergic neurotransmission have been extensively studied in case-control association studies on suicide. Major findings concern Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene, particularly in violent suicidal behavior. Though they may seem contradictory, studies on Serotonin transporter (5-HTT), Monaomine oxidase (MAOA), Serotonin 2A and 2C receptors (5-HT2A and 5-HT2C) and Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) genes are promising. In spite of those observations having some limitations, it appears that genetic factors are a serious risk factor, besides environmental aspects of suicidal behavior.
Souery
Daniel
D
Department of Psychiatry, University Clinics of Brussels, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. dsouery@ulb.ac.be
Oswald
Pierre
P
Linkowski
Paul
P
Mendlewicz
Julien
J
D000368:Aged; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D008875:Middle Aged; D008967:Molecular Biology; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D044402:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A; D044405:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D013405:Suicide; D014365:Tryptophan Hydroxylase / Q000235:genetics; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000235:genetics
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D044402:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A; D044405:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D012701:Serotonin; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D014365:Tryptophan Hydroxylase; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase