Molecular genetic findings in suicidal behavior: what is beyond the serotonergic system?
Various studies provide consistent evidence for a genetic component in suicidal behavior. First molecular genetic studies concentrated on genes of the serotonergic system based on the biochemical evidence that serotonergic neurotransmission is implicated in this behavior. Furthermore, genes of the dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems have also been the subjects of investigations in this context. Some epidemical and clinical studies showed that low serum cholesterol levels are associated with suicidal behavior and genes involved in these pathways have been investigated. Microarray experiments provide the possibility of genome-wide gene expression analysis and help to investigate associated molecular mechanisms. The aim of this article is to review molecular genetic studies in suicidal behavior and to emphasize findings on new genes.
Rujescu
Dan
D
Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. Dan.Rujescu@med.uni-muenchen.de
Thalmeier
Andreas
A
Möller
Hans-Jürgen
HJ
Bronisch
Thomas
T
Giegling
Ina
I
D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D008040:Genetic Linkage / Q000235:genetics; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000235:genetics; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic
D005819:Genetic Markers; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D002784:Cholesterol