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closeGenetics of psychoactive medications
Posted by ebuttner on 08 Jun 2012 at 20:12 GMT
This interesting paper underscores the utility of simple genetic organisms in analyzing the mechanims of action of psychoactive medications. Supportive evidence for a SERT-independent mechanism of action for SSRIs comes in part from Jim Thomas' C. elegans lab. They showed that fluoxetine-resistant nrf mutants encode a novel family of transmembrane proteins. In the future, it would be interesting to see if the nrf genes play a role in the processes described by Chen et al.
- E Buttner, McLean Hospital
RE: Genetics of psychoactive medications
eperlste replied to ebuttner on 14 Jun 2012 at 14:42 GMT
Thanks for the comment! I'm re-reading Thomas' 2006 Genetics paper now. nrf mutants are definitely modifying fluoxetine drug transport but I disagree with their proposed mechanism.
Consider the cellular response as a reaction to membrane accumulation. NRF genes may be mediating membrane adaptation to the 10 minute surge of 1mg/ml fluoxetine that is used to trigger nose contraction. Fluoxetine is, after all, a cationic amphipath. And SSRI experiments with worms use *really high* concentrations, so it seems unreasonable to ignore the physical effects of drug on cell membranes.