Brain Protein Responsible for Link Between Stress, Depression, New Study Finds

A section of a preserved human brain at the Museum of Neuroanatomy at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. (AP photo/David Duprey)
A section of a preserved human brain at the Museum of Neuroanatomy at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. (AP photo/David Duprey)
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Brain Protein Responsible for Link Between Stress, Depression, New Study Finds

A section of a preserved human brain at the Museum of Neuroanatomy at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. (AP photo/David Duprey)
A section of a preserved human brain at the Museum of Neuroanatomy at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. (AP photo/David Duprey)

After experiencing trauma or severe stress, some people develop an abnormal stress response or chronic stress. This increases the risk of developing other diseases such as depression and anxiety, but it remains unknown what mechanisms are behind it or how the stress response is regulated.

The research group at Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden, has previously found that a protein in the brain plays an important role in the function of serotonin that regulates mood and releases stress hormones, at least in mice, the German News Agency reported.

The research group found that the protein named p11 plays an important role in the function of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates mood. Depressed patients and suicide victims have lower levels of the p11 protein in their brain, and laboratory mice with reduced p11 levels show depression- and anxiety-like behavior.

The new study shows that p11 affects the initial release of the stress hormone cortisol in mice by modulating the activity of specific neurons in the brain area hypothalamus.

In addition, the tests showed that mice with p11 deficiency react more strongly to stress, with a higher heart rate and more signs of anxiety, compared to mice with normal p11 levels.

The findings of the new study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, may have implications on the development of new drugs for depression and anxiety.



Saudi Pavilion Officially Launched at Airshow China 2024

The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI.  SPA
The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI. SPA
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Saudi Pavilion Officially Launched at Airshow China 2024

The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI.  SPA
The Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024 includes several government entities alongside GAMI. SPA

The Saudi pavilion has been officially launched at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2024), one of the world's largest aviation events taking place from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, China.
Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali participated in the launch of the Saudi pavilion, accompanied by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, and several officials, international investors, and decision makers in the aviation and space sectors, SPA reported.
Al-Ohali emphasized that "this strategic participation, occurring for the first time in China, aims to enhance the Kingdom's global presence in the military industries sector and to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing economies among the G20 nations. Furthermore, it seeks to establish fruitful international partnerships to empower and develop the military industries sector, while also promoting the Kingdom's message of welcoming investors from around the world. Additionally, it aims to highlight the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 within the military sector."
The Saudi pavilion, organized by GAMI, showcases military products and equipment, particularly in the aviation sector. It highlights the latest developments and achievements of government entities and national companies specializing in military industries, as well as the efforts made to enhance national military manufacturing capabilities aimed to localize over 50% of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.