Connecting the dots between two molecules whose levels are
decreased in depression and increased by current antidepressants
could yield new therapies, researchers say. Serotonin is a
neurotransmitter that enables brain cells to communicate and
brain-derived neurotropic factor, or BDNF, is a brain-nourishing
molecule that also aids connectivity. Popular antidepressants
such as Prozac, developed to increase levels of serotonin, have
recently been found to also increase BDNF levels, said Dr.
Anilkumar Pillai, neuroscientist at the Medical College of
Georgia at Georgia Health Sciences University. "We don't know
how the molecule, serotonin, which is well-studied in
depression, regulates BDNF signaling," Pillai said. He's
principal investigator on a five year, $1.5 million grant from
the National Institute of Mental Health to help him make the
connection He suspects a critical piece is the protein
transglutaminase 2, or TG2, expressed by brain cells and most
other cell types. TG2 plays a role in natural serotonin r