Project Portugal 2030

Summary

The proposed research addresses important challenges in the realm of psychiatric disorders, particularly focusing on anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatric disorders and their associated sequelae represent significant burdens in contemporary healthcare. This project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of PTSD in particular chronic reexperiencing of traumatic events and impairment in fear memory extinction. In addition, the proposed research addresses critical challenges by aiming to provide alternative treatments for PTSD, a pressing issue in mental health. The main goal of this project is to target the overactive sympathetic nervous system associated with PTSD, with the objective of reducing the recall and persistence of traumatic memories. To achieve this, we plan to silence specific genes, including dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH) and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), among others. Furthermore, the research will compare this innovative gene silencing approach with two commonly prescribed pharmacological medicines for PTSD, namely selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (sertraline and paroxetine), approved by both the EMA (European Medicines Agency) and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). It's noted that while sertraline and paroxetine are utilized as antidepressants, they lack specificity for PTSD treatment and are associated with limited efficacy and significant adverse effects. By exploring gene silencing therapies as potential alternatives, we hope to offer treatment options with potentially fewer secondary effects compared to currently approved pharmacological medicines for PTSD. This approach holds promise for providing improved therapeutic outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by PTSD.