i am a whore.
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The Resiliency Gene
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Ressler and other researchers now face the daunting task of figuring out how those genes are interacting with the newly identified one. They don't know yet what the functional difference is between the different forms of the gene, or how the actual receptors vary in children with those forms. Furthermore, they don't know how many dozens of other genes may be involved in similar processes in the brain. "Maybe at the end of the day there will be a list of 10, 20 or 30 such genes," says Insel. "I think that's not too far off in the future." Scientists will also have to look closely at families to figure out if the genes are part of the reason for the cycle of abuse—if kids who don't get the "resilient" forms of the gene are more likely to become abusers themselves. Finally, they'll want to start looking at compounds that target the CRH1 receptor, which could eventually be used as drugs. No antidepressants currently on the market affect the receptor. Drug companies, consider this your opening.
© 2008
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