Biomarkers and methods for identification of agents useful in the treatment of affective disorders

摘要

A method of identifying a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of an affective disorder, comprises:
(a) contacting a cell with a candidate therapeutic agent in vitro ;
(b) determining whether expression of the gene PREPL is modulated in the cell in response to the candidate therapeutic agent; and
(c) identifying the candidate as a potential therapeutic agent if expression of the gene is increased. Methods of diagnosing and monitoring an affective disorder, comprising assessing the level of expression of the gene PREPL in a biological sample taken from a subject are also provided.