In addition, our model enables us to predict circadian phenotypes (e.g., altered period length, amplitude) associated with mood disorders in order to identify critical effects of clock gene mutations on CRY/BMAL binding and to predict that the intronic SNPs studied represent gain-of-function mutations, causing increased transcription rate.
The role of clock genes in the etiology of Major Depressive Disorder: Special Section on "Translational and Neuroscience Studies in Affective Disorders". Section Editor, Maria Nobile MD, PhD. This Section of JAD focuses on the relevance of translational and neuroscience studies in providing a better understanding of the neural basis of affective disorders. The main aim is to briefly summaries relevant research findings in clinical neuroscience with particular regards to specific innovative topics in mood and anxiety disorders.
The role of sleep problems and circadian clock genes in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and mood disorders during childhood and adolescence: an update.
Among the clock genes involved in the control system of circadian rhythms, CLOCK 3111 T/C and Period3 (PER3) influence core psychopathological features of mood disorders, such as patterns of sleep, rest, and activity, diurnal preference, cognitive performances after sleep loss, age at the onset of the illness, and response to antidepressant treatment.
The present study suggests a putative role of the analyzed clock genes polymorphisms in chronotype in the control group and in sleep quality disturbances in the course of MD.
Several human genetic studies have implicated specific genes that make up the genesis of circadian rhythms in the manifestation of mood disorders with polymorphisms in molecular clock genes not only showing an association with the disorder but having also been linked to its phenotypic particularities.
Disturbances in circadian rhythm-related physiological and behavioral processes are frequently observed in depressed patients and several clock genes have been identified as risk factors for the development of mood disorders.
The fact that chronotherapies, including SDT and sleep phase advance, are dramatically effective suggests that altered clock gene machinery may represent a core pathophysiological defect in a subset of mood disorder patients.
Fortunately, recent publications have addressed this problem and there is now some evidence available highlighting the relevance of CLOCK genes in conditions, such as ADHD, mood disorders, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.