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Genetics and Health

p11 Gene and Depression

by Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD on January 6th, 2006

During a screen of proteins associated with the serotonin 1B receptor, scientists found the p11 protein. Humans and mice with depression had lower levels of p11 and rats and mice treated with anti-depressant medications or electroconvulsive therapy had higher levels.

The p11 gene which encodes the p11 protein is believed to be associated with serotonin transmission in the brain. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and memory and thus plays a role in a person’s susceptibility to depression.


Two strains of genetically engineered mice were designed:

1. Produced more p11 than normal - hyperactive and behaved like mice on anti-dpressant medication.

2. Produced no p11 at all - acted depressed and less responsive to anti-depressant medications.

Per Svenningsson, lead researcher:

In addition to exploring ways to increase p11 in depressed patients, it may also be possible to develop peptide-based compounds that can mimic the action of p11 to achieve a new class of anti-depressant compounds.

Fine tuning the appropriate dosage for antidepressant medication is one of the greatest challenges facing physicians and patients. Any kind of new therapy must take into account the complex interactions between brain chemistry, the psyche, and external factors.

While some may not think mental health is as worthy of research as other diseases, I disagree. Our minds are all we’ve got to live a happy life.

For more, see Human Genomics, Psychiatry and Antidepressants at Anxiety, Addiction and Depression Treatments.

EurekAlert, January 5, 2006

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9 opinions for p11 Gene and Depression

  • zandperl
    Jan 7, 2006 at 11:19 pm

    This sounds promising. Much of medicine appears to be trial and error, so whenever they determine which actual chemicals are involved in a process it helps them be more successful with less errors. I agree that mental health is crucial, but it’s much harder to objectively analyze, and the whole field is still in its infancy.

  • ME Strauss
    Jan 8, 2006 at 6:14 am

    Hi Hsien,
    Isn’t Serotonin also in someway linked to Migraine?
    I’m on Topomax for mine now. So what was one 8-12 a month is down to 1-2 a year, but I seem to remember there was a connection to between Serotnin and Migraine.
    Liz

  • Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
    Jan 8, 2006 at 11:52 am

    zandperl: Thanks for the comment! Mental health has also traditionally been stygmatized. Hope the field is getting the attention it deserves now.

    ME Strauss: Yes, there is a link between serotonin and migraine but I don’t know enough about it to tell you much else. Sorry!!

  • kevin
    Jan 8, 2006 at 2:53 pm

    This is indeed an exciting find. And I’m sure it’s only a surface scratch.

  • Kevin Hill
    Jan 9, 2006 at 12:34 pm

    For someone who suffers from a debiliatating type of depression/s, this could be a miracle find, and something I look forward to hearing more about the p-11 gene.

  • Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
    Jan 9, 2006 at 12:42 pm

    kevin: Thanks for the comment. There are definitely many more genes to be uncovered.

    Kevin Hill: Sorry to hear that depression is part of your life. I hope more promising news of treatment is on the horizon. All the best and thanks for the comment.

  • Kevin Hill
    Jan 10, 2006 at 10:08 am

    Thank you for your reply.

  • ken
    Jun 1, 2006 at 9:47 pm

    I would like more information on the gene name(s) and polymorphism related information connected with the p11 protien.

    If I understand properly, the AmpliChip tests only how various known drugs are broken-down by the body. This metabolism information is useful but I am looking for genes related to depression/anxiety more directly rather than pharmacological metabolism.

    Any further pointers to related information would be appreciated. BTW, I am major depressive related to stress response; I’ve been taking paxil (now Effexor XR) for about 12 years with serious sexual side-effects.

  • Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
    Jun 2, 2006 at 3:25 am

    Ken: Sorry to hear paxil isn’t working out for you. There are quite a number of candidate genes for depression. I recommend reading through some of the papers in PubMed. All the best.

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