Research Questions:
1. Which circulating plasma proteins have a putative causal relationship with anxiety disorders, as identified by Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis?
2. Can these causal proteins serve as diagnostic biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets for anxiety?
3. Is there a shared proteomic signature between anxiety and frequently co-occurring neuropsychiatric disorders, providing insights into common pathological mechanisms?
Objectives:
1. To identify and validate a panel of plasma proteins that are causally associated with anxiety susceptibility using MR.
2. To assess the translational potential of these proteins by evaluating their efficacy as diagnostic biomarkers and their suitability as drug targets.
3. To investigate the proteomic overlap between anxiety and other major neuropsychiatric disorders to elucidate shared biological pathways for comorbid disease mechanisms.
Scientific Rationale:
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent but lack objective biomarkers for diagnosis and personalized treatment. Our preliminary MR analyses have identified specific plasma proteins with a causal role in anxiety pathogenesis. This project will build upon this foundational discovery to transition from association to application. By systematically characterizing these causal proteins, we aim to deliver validated biomarker panels that can objectively define anxiety subtypes and guide intervention. Furthermore, exploring the proteomic basis of comorbidity will uncover fundamental mechanisms driving co-occurring diseases, offering new perspectives for treating complex patient populations with overlapping symptoms. This research bridges genetic discovery and clinical translation, aiming to improve outcomes in anxiety and related disorders.
