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Understanding genetic and non-genetic factors impacting mental health in teenagers

CSEF · 2023 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology First Award

Kohar Jiya, Patel Prisha, Singh Ruhani · 8

Overview

Mental health in teenagers is an important topic which we want to raise awareness on. We analyzed two aspects which can potentially impact it - genetic and non-genetic. For both genetic and non-genetic parts, we focused particularly on Serotonin (feel-good chemical). The intent of the study is to capture unique profiles using factors like genetic makeup, lifestyle aspects like meditation, exercise etc. and create an information set that can be leveraged by responsible adults like counselors, teachers, parents for providing personalized guidance. Saliva samples were collected from 31 teenage volunteers. PCR was performed on a small region on SLC6A4 gene located on chromosome 17q11.2 associated with small(S) and long(L) serotonin channels using published primers, further visualized using agarose gel electrophoresis to identify genotypes SS, SL and LL. Studies have shown that allele S is associated with low serotonin secretion. Based on questionnaires, numerical values were assigned to answers and the correlation between non-genetic and general mood for each individual was analyzed. Finally, we compared the genotype data of each individual. It was observed that the SLC6A4 genotype alone showed no correlation, however non-genetic factors seem to have a correlation with general mood, indicating that despite SS genotype associated with low serotonin secretion, one can still improve their emotions and mood through their habits and lifestyle. Our current project serves as a model that can be expanded to other genetic factors, and a comprehensive non-genetic factor list, which can help provide personalized guidance to teenagers, and help the community.

Source coverage

This record comes from a published award list, not a complete project archive. Its abstract comes from CSEF's public project showcase as archived by the Internet Archive before judging (https://web.archive.org/web/20230401224130/https://ca-csef.zfairs.com/showcase/ShowcaseInfo?f=838e60b7-ea75-46e8-865c-fde4864244b3); the version presented may differ.

Awards (1)

Competition history

  • CSEF 2023 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology · Entry J0512

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