The Lifesciences Magazine

Source-.news-medical.net In a groundbreaking discovery reported in  Cell , scientists have pinpointed a gene crucial for regulating both obesity and postnatal depression. The gene, known as the TRPC5 gene , was identified through a study involving two boys exhibiting severe obesity and behavioral issues, alongside their mothers who suffered from postnatal depression. This gene, located on the X chromosome, was found to be missing in both boys and inherited from their mothers, who also showed signs of obesity and postnatal depression. Insights from Animal Models To validate their findings, researchers utilized genetically engineered mice with a defective TRPC5 gene. Male mice with this mutation displayed symptoms akin to the boys, including weight gain, anxiety, and social aversion. Interestingly, female mice exhibited depressive behaviors particularly after becoming mothers, demonstrating impaired maternal care. This suggested a direct correlation between TRPC5 deficiency and the m...