Alterations in human gene TRPC5 cause obesity and postpartum depression.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Cambridge have discovered that alterations in the human gene TRPC5 can lead to obesity and postpartum depression. The gene acts on specific neuronal populations in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates various behaviors including feeding, anxiety, socialization, and maternal care. The findings, published in the journal Cell, suggest that TRPC5 could serve as a diagnostic marker for these conditions and potentially be targeted for therapeutic strategies. Obesity and postpartum depression are significant global health problems, and understanding the genetic basis and neural mechanisms involved can have clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment. [Extracted from the article]