Stathmin Gene for Fear

When John F. Kennedy Jr. died in a plane crash the summer of 1999, molecular geneticist Dr. Richard Ebstein speculated that a novelty-seeking and risk-taking gene ran in the Kennedy family which makes them “impulsive, adventurous, and tend[ing] to take chances with drugs, sex, speed, and other potentially dangerous activities.” One gene which appears to be involved in the brain’s fear circuitry is the stathmin gene.

Mice who were genetically engineered to have inactive stathmin genes lacked the ability to sense fear. In situations where normal mice would freeze in fear, such as a particular area of the cage where electric shocks were administered, mice lacking stathmin would continue about their business. In addition, stathmin-deficient mice did not develop neuronal connections in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala where the stathmin gene is most active.

The researchers hope to develop gene targets for some type of fear therapy. But it could be tricky deciding if a person needs a boost or a reduction in their level of fear. Society needs a mix of risk-taking and risk-averse people to keep everything in balance. Tampering with the fear mechanism could lead to some interesting (to say the least) changes in the way people relate to each other and to the events they encounter.

Science Daily, November 21, 2005