Get to know a gene: UGT1A4
What is UGT1A4? The UGT1A4 gene encodes an enzyme of the glucuronidation pathway, a phase II metabolism process that transforms small lipophilic molecules into water-soluble excretable metabolites. The UGT1A4 enzyme…
Get to know a gene: HTR2A
What is HTR2A? The 5-HT2A receptor, encoded by the HTR2A gene, is responsible for post-synaptic serotonin signaling and is a target for many antipsychotics and antidepressants.1 Two single nucleotide polymorphisms…
What do I do with an all green report?
A medication falls in the green category when there is no variation found in the patient’s genes that is expected to impact their response to that medication. In other words,…
How do I choose patients for GeneSight® testing?
No clear clinical guidelines currently exist to identify good candidates for psychiatric pharmacogenomic testing. The choice for testing is entirely at the discretion of the healthcare provider. While pharmacogenomic testing…
How is pharmacogenomic testing different from “traditional” molecular diagnostic testing?
The GeneSight® test is a pharmacogenomic test – not a diagnostic test. Diagnostic testing and pharmacogenomic testing are two different types of genetic tests. In some ways they are similar;…
Why doesn’t the GeneSight® test analyze certain genetic variants?
Why does the GeneSight test only test for pharmacogenomic markers and not diagnostic markers? While a great deal of groundbreaking research is being conducted on the genetic etiology of psychiatric…
Get to know a gene: SLC6A4
Summary: The serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4, has demonstrated the ability to predict efficacy and adverse events with SSRI treatment, particularly for patients of Caucasian ancestry. The SLC6A4 promoter has two main…
Is there a difference between L-methylfolate and folic acid supplementation for patients with the MTHFR C677T mutation?
Summary: Patients with the MTHFR C677T mutation have a reduced ability to convert folic acid into its active form, L-methylfolate. Both L-methylfolate and folic acid are possible treatment options for…
Get to know a gene: DRD2
What is DRD2? The dopamine D2 receptor, encoded by the DRD2 gene, plays a critical role in response to antipsychotic medications. All antipsychotic medications bind to the D2 receptor, underscoring…