Inventors:
Robert Philibert - University Heights IA, US
Anup Madan - Bellevue WA, US
International Classification:
C12Q 1/68, C12N 5/00
US Classification:
424093700, 435325000, 435375000, 435006000, 536023100
Abstract:
Described herein is a CpG island in the 5′ region of the 5HTT gene that contains an alternative exon 1 and promoter for 5HTT. Methylation at this CpG island is associated with decreased levels of 5HTT mRNA, and this effect is evident when 5HTTLPR genotype is taken into account. Thus, this methylation status indicates 5HTT mRNA production, which serves as an indicator for the expression of the transporter and of a subject's vulnerability to diseases related to serotonergic activity. Accordingly, certain embodiments of the present invention provide diagnostic methods for determining whether a subject has, or is at risk for developing, a disease associated with serotonergic activity.