We’re going through a global mental health crisis.
Is genetic editing the cure? Perhaps…
Highschoolers nowadays are reported to have sky-high anxiety levels.
Based on data from the 1900’s, these levels are similar to individuals in insane asylums.
Not good.
The cause? It comes down to the old-fashioned Nature vs Nurture debate. I’d argue that anxiety as well as other mental health disorders stem from with environmental factors as well as possess a genetic component. A genetic component. Hmmmm…
So this leads me to my hypothesis – Is it possible to genetically edit anxiety out of an individual’s genome? Or at least reduce it?
Let’s discuss.
But first, what exactly is anxiety?
Anxiety is a typically known as a normal human emotion that we all experience from time to time. You know that time before that big test? Or right before a preseantion worth half your grade? Or when you heard a police siren behind you? Yup. All anxiety.
This feeling only gets disasteruos when it becomes frequent and thus, severe. Feeling anxious all the time, sometimes with no apparent trigger is called an anxiety disorder but it can also be the way other mental illnesses manifest themselves.
Nowadays, so many people face this, a highly concerning amount. Around 25% of the global population is said to face either anxiety or another form of mental illness. This proves the prominence of this issue, such a large issue that it makes sense to call it a mental health pandemic.
Anxiety is said to be the product of many factors both environmetal and genetic.
Let’s talk about the genetic component.
Many studies have linked anxiety to genetic factors. Such studies include twin and sibling studies in which the individuals are both placed in different environments.
With the advancement and composition of research over the recent years, missing/less active chemical transporters and neurotrasmittor inefficiencies have been seen in a pattern. A gene responsible for transmitting serotonin (the happy chemical!), SLC6A4, has specifically been lacking.
Additionally, a neurotransmitter by the name GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is also being linked to the development of GAD alongside other mental health disorders when present in large amount. This exessive quantity is said to present due to genetic factors though no solid research is available yet.
Quick blurb on serotonin;
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is primarily produced in the central nervous system, as well as in the gastrointestinal tract and blood platelets. It plays a critical role in regulating a variety of physiological and behavioral processes and controls moods.
In the brain, serotonin acts as a neuromodulator, regulating the activity of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is involved in regulating mood, with low levels of serotonin being associated with GAD and multiple other mental illnesses. This is the reason why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used as antidepressants to increase serotonin levels in the brain.
The frequency of the less active serotonin transporters has been observed to be significantly higher in patients with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) than in healthy subjects.
Overall, this means that the low functionning of certain genes (particularily SLC6A4 and GABA) has been linked to a heightened risk of developing GAD, a factor that seems to be heridetary.
This is where the use of CRISPR comes into play
CRISPR, as widely known, is a gene editing tool that can very precisely target and modify DNA sequences in living cells. With the potential CRISPR posseses, is seems very plausible to work towards correcting the genetic irregularities which cause GAD.
I hypothesize that by altering serotonergic receptors which seem to lack in their natural functions, pre-existing GAD or the possibility of developing GAD can either be reduced or completly eliminated.
Here’s the basis of my idea.
The serotonergic system
This system provides the basis for this idea. The main purpose of the serotonergic system is to regulate mood, emotions, and behaviors. Components include complex networks of neurons, receptors, and neurotransmitters and are classfied into various sub-categories, each with their respective properties and functions.
Genetic editing of serotonergic receptors would involve modifying the DNA sequence that codes for each specific receptor protein. CRISPR is the best choice for such an endeavour as it works by using an enzyme called Cas9 to make precise cuts in the DNA at a specific location, allowing the seamless addition, expulsion or modification of particular genes.
The editing process
The approach I would take towards editing serotonergic receptors would be to modify the receptors to increase their sensitivity to serotonin, thereby enhancing the effects of anxiety medications and the overall ability to retain serotonin. This process can be done by probing GABA neurotransmitters. The exact functions and anatomy of these transmitors are yet to be fully dechiphered but a strong, concurent pattern of higher functioning GABA associated with heightened GAD levels.
In terms of the SLC6A4 gene, the CRISPR Cas9 system is to be used to increase (add) the presence of the miR-16 in serotonergic neuron. This specific chemical has been proven in mice studies to encourage the production of serotonin and is also widely used in novel antidepressants.
This type of editing could also potentially reduce side effects from current medications that the individual may be taking- yet another plus!
However, editing serotonergic receptors is very complex as they are extremely fragile and may worsen the condition if not carried out properly. Even the smallest mishap can lead to devastating problems including behavioural and cognitive aspects of the brain. Furthermore, a lot of this information is purely hypothetical due to the fact that neural pathways are still being dicovered and concrete information about such components are lacking.
The base prototype
Though it may seem complex at first glance, the main focus of the aboce diagram are simply the serotonin, the 5HT receptors, and of course, the use of CRISPR!
First, the miR-16 in serotonergic neurons is to be integrated into the SLC6A4 gene sequencing. This step needs to be taken first as it is reversible in case of a reaction, mishap due to inaccesibility or other concerns.
The next step is to observe how the neurons react to this edit as it is moderately invasive and deals with a fragile part of one’s neurological processes. show the first signs of how the patient is reacting to this edit.
To end this edit, the GABA is then incorperated into the sequence in question. This acid is relayed into the genetic material and is programmed in way where it is given the ability to multiply until the 5HT receptors are content. Though this step can be risky, it is highly impactful and if possible, will cure the individual of any serotonin-based lacking.
Through this process, the individual now has the ability to produce as well as retain normal levels of serotonin and hopefully, allow either an amelioration or full recovery in term of their GAD.
Thank you for reading this article, I hope you enjoyed learning about my theoretical idea in order to combat the mental health pandemic we’re facing!
Though the realm of genetic editing and CRISPR technology is fats-growing, the brain and neurological aspect of living organism’s genome are incredibily fragile and require extreme care, concern and profound research.
Though today, this edit is a mere hypothetical process, I hope to one day see the global implementation of such techniques with the aspiration of providing safe, assicible and accurate treatment to the ever-rising, anxiety disorder.
And remember- Mental Health Matters.
You’ve made it to the end! Thank you for reading :)
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