The p11 Protein and Depression

In various studies, S100B proteins have been associated with major psychiatric disorders (Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:235; see also JW Psychiatry Feb 22 2006). One S100B protein, p11, modulates 5-HT_1B receptors, which are decreased in animal models of depression (Science 2006; 311:77). To investigate a preclinical model for gene therapy using p11, researchers genetically manipulated p11 expression in mice by RNA interference; they knocked down p11 in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) or in the anterior cingulate and used viral vectors to insert p11 into the NAc of mice with knocked-out p11. The researchers then tested the mice for laboratory manifestations of depression-like behaviors (time of immobility in forced swim and tail suspension tests) and …