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Non-Coding RNAs Gene Expression in Psychiatric Disorders
Sponsor: Carmen Concerto
Summary
This study aims to investigate whether specific non-coding RNAs, molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression, are altered in individuals with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Researchers will compare the expression levels of these molecules in patients who are drug-naïve or have been free from psychiatric treatment for at least six months with those observed in healthy volunteers. The study will also evaluate whether the expression of these non-coding RNAs changes after approximately five months of standard psychiatric treatment. Blood samples collected during routine clinical care will be used to measure the expression levels of selected non-coding RNAs using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), a laboratory technique used to assess gene expression. This is an observational study and does not assign specific treatments. All therapies will be prescribed according to standard clinical practice. The main objective is to determine whether alterations in non-coding RNA expression may serve as biological markers of psychiatric disorders and whether these markers may help monitor treatment-related changes over time. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying major psychiatric disorders and support the future development of more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Official title: Gene Expression Analysis of Non-coding RNAs in Psychiatric Disorders
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 55 Years
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
384
Start Date
2026-09-01
Completion Date
2028-09-01
Last Updated
2026-06-23
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Gene expression analysis of selected non-coding RNAs using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Locations (5)
Psychiatry Unit, Via Santa Sofia 78
Catania, Sicily, Italy
Psychiatry Unit, Contrada Ferrante SNC
Enna, Sicily, Italy
Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Tower of Biological Laboratories, 5th Floor Via Consolare Valeria 1
Messina, Sicily, Italy
Psychiatry Unit, Via Consolare Valeria 1
Messina, Sicily, Italy
Psychiatry Unit, Via del Vespro 129
Palermo, Sicily, Italy