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
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:
Neuropilins: Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Gut Barrier, & Covid Brain
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.
MAO-A and MAO-B: Neurotransmitter levels, genetics, and warrior gene studies
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: Synthesis, transport, and supplement interactions
Glutamate is synthesized from glutamine or alpha-ketoglutarate. Imbalanced glutamate levels play a role in several neurological disorders.
Dopamine Synthesis SNPs: Genes, lifestyle, diet, and dopamine optimization
Two key enzymes are needed for dopamine synthesis. Genetics, diet, and lifestyle can influence your dopamine production.
Dopamine Receptor SNPs: Addiction, Mood, ADHD, and Schizophrenia
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.
COMT: How to Optimize Your Supplements for Your COMT Genotype
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 Pathways: Kynurenine, Serotonin, and Melatonin
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: Genetics, Anxiety, 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: How Your Genes Affect this Neurotransmitter
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.
VMAT2 gene: The God Gene and Neurotransmitters
An examination of the current research for the ‘God gene’, explaining what it does and its importance in Parkinson’s disease.
Serotonin 2A receptor: Psychedelic response and Alzheimer’s disease
Learn how new research on brain aging and dementia connects the serotonin 2A receptor with psychedelics, brain aging, and Alzheimer’s.
Oxytocin Levels: Genetics of the Love Hormone
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.
COMT Gene: Neurotransmitter Levels, Estrogen Metabolism, and SNPs
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.
BDNF: Cognition, Stress Resilience, Introversion, and Mood
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)