Single nucleotide polymorphisms and suicidal behaviour.

The World Health Organization estimates that almost one million deaths each year are attributable to suicide, and suicide attempt is close to 10 times more common than suicide completion. Suicidal behaviour has multiple causes that are broadly divided into proximal stressors or triggers and predisposition such as genetic. It is also known that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occur throughout a human DNA influencing the structure, quantity and the function of proteins and other molecules. Abnormalities of the serotonergic system were observed in suicide victims. Beside 5-HT1A and other serotonin receptors most studied are the serotonin transporter 5' functional promoter variant, and monoamine oxidase A and the tryptophan-hydroxylase 1 and 2 (TPH) polymorphisms. It seems that especially genes regulating serotoninergic system and neuronal systems involved in stress response are associated with suicidal behaviour. Most genetic studies on suicidal behaviour have considered a small set of functional polymorphisms relevant mostly to monoaminergic neurotransmission. However, genes involved in regulation of other factors such as brain-derived neurotropic factor seems to be even more relevant for further research.