Scientists from Rutgers University in New Jersey believe they have identified a gene coding for a protein called stathmin or oncoprotein 18 which controls a section of the brain linked to fear responses. These findings could lead to new treatments for mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety.

Using a combination of mouse genetics, cellular electrophysiology and behavior, the researchers designed knock-out mice -- mice deficient in the stathmin gene -- to correlate changes in the expression of stathmin to changes in short-term or long-term strength of nerve impulses and fear responses.

"This study provides genetic evidence that amygdala-enriched Stathmin is required for the expression of innate fear and the formation of memory for learned fear," the authors concluded. "Stathmin knockout mice can be used as a model of anxiety states of mental disorders with innate and learned fear components (and) these animal models could be used to develop new anti-anxiety agents," they added.

The findings are published in the Nov 17 issue of the journal Cell.

Sources: Yahoo News via Reuters, Rutgers Media Release This entry is based on a tip by Creative Reporter, Theresa Dixon.