European researchers has linked a type of 'molecular switch', short molecules of ribonucleic acid (miRNA) with panic disorder. This investigation received Community funds and the results have been published recently in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Some studies using twin people point to the influence of hereditary factors in 40% of cases, although it is not clear the role of genes in the risk of suffering from panic disorders. Previous work found that variations in a growing number of genes, influence the risk of suffering from panic disorder, although the magnitude of the influence of each gene is not high. The new finding could clarify the genetic basis of panic disorders. Researchers from Estonia, Spain, Finland and the United Kingdom found that a type of molecular switch, the miRNA, can influence the physiology of these disorders.

MiRNAs are RNA tiny cut that link to DNA and control gene expression. Experts indicate that different miRNA affect various forms of gene expression. RNA is the first product of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and proteins, the most common product of RNA. Therefore, DNA makes RNA which in turn makes proteins.

EU funding granted to research projects came from the SIROCCO, ENGAGE, OPENGENE and ECOGENE. SIROCCO ("Silencing RNAs: organizers and coordinators of complexity in eukaryotic organisms”) received funds worth 11.8 million euros by the thematic area 'Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health' of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). ENGAGE (“European Network of genomics and genetic epidemiology”) received 12 million euros through the 'Health Theme' of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). ECOGENE ("Unlocking the potential of convergence regions of the European Union in genetics”) and OPENGENE ("Opening of the Estonian genome project for the European Research Area") have received support through the budget of the action 'Potential research' of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) with 1.09 and 1.33 million respectively.