Glutamate Receptors and Transporters
Glutamate transporters and receptors carefully balance glutamate levels in the brain. Variants in the glutamate genes can affect how your brain balances glutamate.
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals released by neurons to communicate with nearby neurons or muscles.
Genetic variants can impact the creation of neurotransmitters, the breakdown rate of neurotransmitters, and the receptors available. These variants can affect mood, cognitive function, mental health, and neurodegenerative disease risk.
Read the latest articles about Neurotransmitters:
Glutamate transporters and receptors carefully balance glutamate levels in the brain. Variants in the glutamate genes can affect how your brain balances glutamate.
Neuropilins act as receptors and are found on the surface of cells. Learn about its many roles body, such as in the immune, vascular and nervous systems.
The MAOA and MAOB genes encode enzymes that break down certain neurotransmitters. People with low MAO may be prone to mood issues in certain circumstances.
Glutamate is synthesized from glutamine or alpha-ketoglutarate. Imbalanced glutamate levels play a role in several neurological disorders.
Two key enzymes are needed for dopamine synthesis. Genetics, diet, and lifestyle can influence your dopamine production.
Dopamine is a powerful player in our cognitive function – impacting mood, movement, and motivation. Genetic variants in the dopamine receptors influence addiction, ADHD, neurological diseases, depression, psychosis, and aggression.
Some supplements interact with COMT variants to impact the rate at which neurotransmitters are broken down. Check your COMT genotype and discover how this may affect your reaction to different supplements or combinations of supplements.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin. Genetic variants can impact the amount of tryptophan that is used for serotonin. This can influence mood, sleep, neurotransmitters, and immune response.
GABA (gamma-Aminobuyteric acid) is a neurotransmitter that acts to block or inhibit a neuron from firing. It is an essential way that the brain regulates impulses, and low GABA levels are linked with several conditions, including anxiety and PTSD.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is important in depression, sleep, and many other aspects of health. Learn how your genetic variants in the serotonin receptor genes impact their function.
An examination of the current research for the ‘God gene’, explaining what it does and its importance in Parkinson’s disease.
Learn how new research on brain aging and dementia connects the serotonin 2A receptor with psychedelics, brain aging, and Alzheimer’s.
Oxytocin is called the love hormone. Genetic variants in the OXT gene are linked to being more social and empathetic vs being more of an introvert.
Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Low levels of BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) are linked to introversion, stress resilience, cognition, and depression levels. Discover ways to increase your BDNF levels and mitigate the problems associated with the BDNF gene variants. (Member’s article)