Mechanism Briefs
In-depth mini-reviews explaining mechanistic hypotheses linking genetic architecture, environmental exposures, and disease. Population-level summaries for educational purposes only — do not imply individual risk.
Chronological list of mechanism briefs
BDNF Val66Met and Psychosocial Stress in Major Depressive Disorder Susceptibility
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. The Val66Met variant (rs6265) affects activity-dependent secretion of BD...
JAK-STAT and IL-23/Th17 Pathway in Psoriasis and IBD: Environmental Triggers and Therapeutic Targets
The JAK-STAT pathway transduces signals from cytokines including IL-23, which drives Th17 differentiation and is central to psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease,...
Leptin–Melanocortin Axis and Obesogenic Environment in Polygenic Obesity
Energy balance is regulated by the leptin–melanocortin pathway: leptin from adipose tissue signals energy sufficiency to the hypothalamus; MC4R and POMC neurons integrate signals t...
Oxidative Stress Response Genes (GSTP1, SOD2) and Air Pollution in Asthma and Cardiovascular Susceptibility
Ambient air pollution (PM2.5) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lung and systemically. Antioxidant enzymes—glutathione S-transferases (e.g., GSTP1) and superoxide dismut...
PPARG Pro12Ala and Diet Quality in Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Sensitivity
PPARG encodes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, a nuclear receptor that regulates adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity. The Pro12Ala variant (rs1801282...
Sleep Deprivation and Circadian Disruption in Metabolic and Mental Health: Gene–Environment Interactions
Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Circadian genes (CLOCK, PER, CRY) and stress-relat...
PM2.5 Exposure Amplifies IL-33-Mediated Airway Inflammation via NF-kB Signaling in Genetically Susceptible Individuals
Asthma is a multifactorial disease shaped by genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. Genome-wide association studies have identified IL33 and related type 2 pathway gen...