A functional genetic variation of SLC6A2 repressor hsa-miR-579-3p upregulates sympathetic noradrenergic processes of fear and anxiety.

ABSTRACT: Increased sympathetic noradrenergic signaling is crucially involved in fear and anxiety as defensive states. MicroRNAs regulate dynamic gene expression during synaptic plasticity and genetic variation of microRNAs modulating noradrenaline transporter gene (SLC6A2) expression may thus lead to altered central and peripheral processing of fear and anxiety. In silico prediction of microRNA regulation of SLC6A2 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays and identified hsa-miR-579-3p as a regulating microRNA. The minor (T)-allele of rs2910931 (MAF_cases = 0.431, MAF_controls = 0.368) upstream of MIR579 was associated with panic disorder in patients (p_allelic = 0.004, n_cases = 506, n_controls = 506) and with higher trait anxiety in healthy indi

SUBMITTER: Hommers LG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6195525 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature