Telomerase activation as a possible mechanism of action for psychopharmacological interventions.

Francesco S Bersani, Daniel Lindqvist, Synthia H Mellon, Brenda W J H Penninx, Josine E Verhoeven, Dóra Révész, Victor I Reus, Owen M Wolkowitz

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Originally studied in relation to aging and cancer research, telomerase is now also investigated in relation to psychiatric disorders and treatments. Based on emerging clinical and preclinical data, we hypothesise that telomerase activation could represent a novel element mediating the mechanism of action of certain psychopharmacological interventions (e.g. antidepressants, lithium and antipsychotics). The modulation of intracellular Wnt/β-catenin or PI3K/Akt signalling pathways, the interaction with BDNF and 5-HT, and the antioxidant properties could represent possible mechanisms by which the different types of psychiatric medications could modulate telomerase activity. The potential of telomerase in promoting cellular survival and/or function in the brain and in the periphery could, in turn, represent a neurobiological substrate through which the enzyme can mediate the therapeutic effect of such interventions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1305-1309
JournalDrug Discovery Today
Volume20
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Psychiatry

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