Located protein that predisposes addictions

ANKK1 gene protein found in cells that assume a large number of key roles in neural activity
The discovery of the protein is the key to a better understanding of the relationship between the marker of this gene and these associated psychiatric disorders
School of Medicine discover molecule that predisposes to addiction 10.10.2010Identified 396 genes related to addiction 10.10.2010EFE | El Universal
The Laboratory of Neuroscience Psychiatry Department of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid, in collaboration the Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM) has discovered a new protein participation in the predisposition to addiction.As reported by the Community of Madrid, this is ANKK1 protein gene, according to results of a study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.The study shows that the new protein, related to the genetic marker Taqi, is expressed in the adult central nervous system, both in humans and mice, and during neurological development.
TaqI genetic marker is the most studied biological factor in the predisposition to alcoholism and other addictions.According to Dr. Janet Hoenicka, principal investigator of the study, "in 2004 found that this marker was within ANKK1 gene and not within DRD2 as supposed, and until our work is published no one had described its functionality, or found their protein. "
According to the researchers, the study not only identified the new protein, but also their location in space and time.
 "We now know that protein is ANKK1 brain cells known as astroglial which are present not only in the adult brain, but also in the embryonic period. These cells assume a large number of key roles in nervous activity."This implies that even in early stages of development of central nervous system may be starting to set individual predisposition to various multifactorial disorders of behavior, "such as addictions to drugs of abuse or other mental disorders."
The researcher explains that "the discovery of the protein is the missing piece to a better understanding of the relationship between the marker of this gene and these associated psychiatric disorders, and stresses that the research results open a new stage to further knowledge of mental disorders.
The Laboratory of Neuroscience Psychiatry Department of the hospital Oct. 12 carries out various research focused on the relationship of this novel protein with the dopaminergic system in the brain.Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in learning processes, psychosis, addictions and personality, specially the latter in the development of antisocial traits.
Also in that line and under the direction of Dr. Guillermo Ponce, investigates the involvement of protein ANKK1 with the dopaminergic system in animal models of schizophrenia and addictive behaviors.Also, in collaboration with the Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, this laboratory professionals analyze the involvement of DRD2 genes ANKK1 and anomalies in the learning process as risk factors for developing problems.
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