A UB study identifies the ‘RBFOX1’ gene as a key regulator of nearly 20 genes linked to vulnerability to these disorders
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified the gene RBFOX1 as a central regulator of nearly 20 other genes linked to depression, anxiety, irritability, and neuroticism, offering new insight into the shared genetic roots of several psychiatric conditions.
The study, led by Bru Cormand and Noรจlia Fernรกndez of the Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics at the University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Biology, in collaboration with Goethe University Frankfurt, describes RBFOX1 as acting like “an orchestra conductor,” coordinating the activity of genes that influence mood and emotional regulation.
Among the 19 genes regulated by RBFOX1, the researchers highlighted SP4, TCF4, and PAX6 โ which also act as regulators in their own right โ along with CADM2. TCF4 has separately been linked to schizophrenia and insomnia, while CADM2 has been associated with addictive behaviors.
The team combined genome-wide association studies, predictive models of brain gene expression, molecular network analysis, and studies of rare genetic disorders to build the regulatory map, providing a more integrated picture of how genetic vulnerability to psychiatric disorders is organized.
Journal: Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
Article Title: The RBFOX1 regulatory gene network contributes to major depressive disorder, anxiety, irritability and neuroticism
Publication Date: 20-Apr-2026
Source: EurekAlert
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