Project Summary

Xiao-Ming Ou, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2007) of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, is examining abnormal gene expression of monoamine oxidase A (MAO A), a key enzyme for the degradation of neurotransmitters. MAO A inhibitors are used as antidepressant drugs, suggesting that MAO A is significantly implicated in depression. Dr. Ou’s laboratory recently discovered three transcription factors that inhibit MAO A expression levels. The research will now seek to determine whether these factors are altered in the brains of depressed suicide victims and what proteins they interact with. The study should advance understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of depressive disorders and provide new therapeutic strategies.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Psychotic Major Depression

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