“Signal to Thrive — Wnt Builds, Cells Communicate, Cannabinoids & Neurotrophins Heal.”
DNA Mind tests for genetic variations associated with changes in key biological areas that affect mental health. Weaknesses in these areas, together with environmental factors, increase the risk for the development of disorders related to mental health. The areas of mental health reported in DNA Mind include: Neurodegenerative disorders, mood regulation, and addictive behaviour.
Key:
N = Neurodegenerative disorders
M = Mood regulation
A = Addictive behaviour
Wnt signalling
The Wnt signalling pathway is like a set of instructions or signals that guide cells on what to do, where to go, and how to organise themselves during early development, helping to build a healthy body and brain.
What are they?
- They are made up of special proteins called glycoproteins.
- These proteins send messages from outside the cell to the inside, using special “receivers” on the cell surface called receptors.
What do these messages do?
- They help control important decisions in developing cells, like:
- What type of cell should they become (for example, a skin cell or a nerve cell),
- Where the cells should move inside the body,
- How cells are oriented and organised,
- And how the nervous system and organs form while a baby is growing in the womb.
- What type of cell should they become (for example, a skin cell or a nerve cell),
| Wnt Signalling | GSK3B | C>G | CC | N = no impact | M = no impact | A = no impact |
| A>C | CC | |||||
| G>A | GG |
GSK3B
What does this protein do?
- It’s very active in the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).
- This protein helps control many brain processes and signals.
Why is it important?
- Changes in how much of this protein is made (especially when there’s too much) have been linked to mental health conditions like:
- Bipolar disorder (mood swings between very high and very low feelings),
- Major depressive disorder (severe depression).
- Bipolar disorder (mood swings between very high and very low feelings),
How does this relate to treatment?
- Some medicines used for these conditions, like lithium (a common mood stabiliser), work by affecting this protein.
- By targeting GSK3B, these treatments help balance brain function and improve mood.
In short:
The GSK3B gene makes a protein that plays a key role in brain health. When this protein is too active, it can increase the risk of mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Some important medications help by calming down this protein’s activity.
Alex’s Result: GSK3B rs334555 C>G, rs11925868 A>C, rs11927974 G>A – normal regulation.
Cell Signalling
Genes encoding proteins involved in cell signalling are important in ensuring normal cell-to-cell communication among nerve cells (neurons), neuronal survival, and the formation of memories. Cell-signalling proteins also serve important roles in activating the release of specific neurotransmitters and hormones.
Calcium and sodium signalling control many neurological functions, including neurotransmitter release and regulation of excitatory signalling in the brain. Disruptions in these pathways have been linked to altered mood regulation, specifically bipolar disorder.
| Cell Signalling | AKT1 | T>C | CC | n = | m = | a = highly impacted |
| ANK3 | A>G | AA | m = normal | |||
| C>T | CC | m = normal | ||||
| CACNA1 | G>A | GG | m = normal | |||
| CHRNA3 | G>A | GG | m = normal | |||
| CHRNA5 | Asp398Asn | GG | m = normal |
AKT1
The AKT1 gene helps make a protein that’s involved in many important jobs inside your cells.
What does it do?
- This protein helps regulate things like:
- How cells grow and survive
- How your body processes energy (metabolism)
- How new blood vessels form (angiogenesis)
- How cells grow and survive
In short, it helps keep cells healthy and functioning properly.
Why is it important for the brain?
- Some versions of the AKT1 gene (called SNPs, or small genetic variations) have been linked to mental health effects, especially when cannabis (marijuana) is used.
What happens with cannabis?
- People with certain versions of AKT1 may be more likely to experience paranoia or psychosis (confused thinking or seeing/hearing things that aren’t there) when using cannabis.
In short: The AKT1 gene helps control how cells grow and function, including in the brain. Some people with specific versions of this gene may be more sensitive to the effects of cannabis, increasing their risk for paranoia or psychosis.
AKT1 T>C / CC
Some people have a version of a gene called AKT1 that’s labelled the CC genotype. This version can change how the gene works in the brain.
Why is it important?
- People with the CC genotype are more likely to have strong negative mental effects if they use cannabis (marijuana).
What kind of effects?
- They may be at higher risk for psychosis, which can include:
- Paranoia (feeling like others are watching or out to get you),
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there),
- Confused thinking.
- Paranoia (feeling like others are watching or out to get you),
The risk is even higher if:
- They use cannabis frequently or heavily.
In short:
If you have the AKT1 CC gene type, you may be more sensitive to cannabis and more likely to experience psychosis-like symptoms, especially if you use it regularly. Knowing this can help you make informed choices about cannabis use.
ANK3
The ANK3 gene, Ankyrin-3, helps brain cells send messages properly. If this gene isn’t working quite right, it can affect mood balance and has been linked to mental health conditions with unstable moods.
What does it do?
- It helps control sodium channels, which are like little gates that let charged particles (sodium ions) move in and out of brain cells.
- This movement is important for creating the electrical signals your brain uses to think, feel, and function.
Why does it matter?
- When this process doesn’t work properly, it can affect the brain’s excitatory signalling — basically, how strongly and often brain cells “fire” messages.
- Changes in the ANK3 gene have been linked to mental health conditions that involve mood swings or emotional instability, such as bipolar disorder.
Alex’s Result: A>G / AA and C>T / CC – normal signalling
CACNA1
The CACNA1C gene gives the body instructions to help build calcium channels — tiny gateways in brain cells that control how calcium enters the cell.
Why is calcium important?
- Calcium helps brain cells send signals to each other.
- These signals affect things like mood, memory, and thinking.
What does this gene do?
- The CACNA1C gene helps make a part of a specific type of calcium channel, called L-type voltage-gated calcium channels.
- These channels are especially important for excitatory signalling, how active and responsive brain cells are.
Why does it matter?
- Changes in this gene have been linked to mood disorders like bipolar disorder, which involve emotional ups and downs.
- If this gene isn’t working quite right, the brain’s mood signalling system can become unbalanced.
In short:
The CACNA1C gene helps brain cells send signals using calcium. If this gene has certain changes, it may raise the risk of mood disorders, because it affects how emotional signals are handled in the brain.
Alex’s Result: CACNA1 G>A / GG
The CACNA1C GG genotype is a version of the gene that is considered normal or typical.
What does that mean?
- People with the GG genotype usually have:
- A healthy brain structure, especially in the brainstem (the part of the brain that controls basic functions like breathing and heart rate).
- Normal brain signalling, meaning their calcium channels are working properly to help brain cells communicate.
- A healthy brain structure, especially in the brainstem (the part of the brain that controls basic functions like breathing and heart rate).
In short:
If you have the GG version of the CACNA1C gene, your brain’s signalling and structure are likely working as expected, without any increased genetic risk for mood-related issues from this gene.
CHRNA3
The CHRNA3 gene helps make part of a nicotinic receptor, which is like a special “docking station” on nerve cells in the brain.
What does it do?
- This receptor responds to acetylcholine, a chemical your brain uses to send signals.
- It also reacts to nicotine (the addictive chemical in cigarettes and some vapes).
When nicotine or acetylcholine attaches to this receptor:
- It opens a channel in the nerve cell, allowing tiny charged particles (ions) to flow in.
- This helps the brain send messages and release other brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which affect how you feel and think.
In short:
The CHRNA3 gene helps your brain respond to signals, especially when stimulated by things like nicotine. It’s part of what controls the release of brain chemicals that affect mood, alertness, and even addiction.
Alex’s Results: CHRNA3 G>A / GG – normal
CHRNA5
The CHRNA5 gene helps make part of a special receptor in the brain called a nicotinic receptor.
What does this receptor do?
- It responds to a brain chemical called acetylcholine, and also to nicotine (the addictive substance in tobacco).
- When nicotine or acetylcholine attaches to this receptor, it opens a tiny channel in the nerve cell.
- This allows ions (tiny charged particles) to flow in, which helps the brain send signals and release neurotransmitters — the chemicals that affect your mood, focus, and more.
Why does it matter?
- This process is part of how the brain reacts to stimulation, like that from nicotine.
- It’s also involved in the reward and addiction pathways.
In short:
The CHRNA5 gene helps your brain respond to signals and stimulation, especially from nicotine. It plays a role in how your brain releases chemicals that affect things like mood, attention, and addiction.
Alex’s Result: CNRNA5 Asp398Asn / GG – Individuals with the GG genotype do not show an increased susceptibility for nicotine dependence.
Neurotrophin and EndoCannabinoid Pathways
In this panel, genetic variants will be reported on that have been shown to increase risk for dependence on cannabis as well as other illicit substances.
Endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system is a natural part of your body that helps regulate things like mood, memory, appetite, and pain. It includes special chemicals your body makes (called endocannabinoids) and places in your brain where those chemicals attach (called receptors).
When someone uses marijuana, the main active chemical in it—THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)—acts like these natural body chemicals. THC attaches to the same brain receptors, especially a type called CB1 receptors.
These receptors are found in different parts of the brain, including an area called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). When THC activates CB1 receptors in the VTA, it causes brain cells to release more dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good or “rewarded.”
This extra dopamine goes to parts of the brain like the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex, which are involved in pleasure, motivation, and decision-making. That’s why marijuana can make people feel happy or “high.”
In summary:
THC in marijuana mimics your body’s natural chemicals, attaches to certain brain cells, and causes a boost in feel-good chemicals like dopamine, especially in brain areas linked to reward and motivation.
| Endocannabinoid | CNR1 | T>C | TT | n = | m = | a = normal |
| FAAH | 385 C>A | CC | n = | m = | a = normal |
There’s a gene called CNR1 that provides the instructions to make a special part of this system—a receptor called CB1. You can think of receptors like locks, and the chemicals that fit into them (like keys) can turn things “on” in your brain.
When someone uses marijuana, the main active chemical in it—THC—acts like your body’s own natural chemical “keys.” THC fits into the CB1 “lock” and turns it on, just like your natural chemicals would.
This CB1 receptor plays a role in how your brain processes rewards and pleasure, especially through a brain chemical called dopamine (which makes you feel good or motivated).
So in short:
The CNR1 gene makes a part of your brain that reacts to THC, and it helps control how your brain feels pleasure and reward.
Alex’s Results: CNR1 T>C / TT = normal reward signalling
FAAH
Your body naturally makes chemicals that help control things like mood, pain, appetite, and stress. One of these natural chemicals is called anandamide (also known as N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine), which acts a bit like THC from marijuana—it helps you feel good and relaxed.
There’s a gene called FAAH, and it makes an enzyme (a kind of biological tool) that breaks down anandamide. You can think of FAAH like a cleanup crew that turns off the feel-good chemical after it’s done its job.
FAAH is found in places like the brain and liver, and it helps control how long those good feelings or pain relief last. If FAAH breaks down anandamide too quickly, you might not feel those calming effects as strongly.
This system is connected to things like pain, depression, appetite, and inflammation. Research also shows that differences in how FAAH works may affect a person’s risk for addiction or substance abuse, possibly because it changes how strongly they feel pleasure or stress relief.
So in short:
The FAAH gene makes a tool that turns off your body’s natural feel-good chemical. This affects how you feel pain, stress, hunger, and even your risk for addiction.
The FAAH CC genotype is not linked to increased risk for addictive disorders. Even though there is less risk for addiction, it is important to note that there may be more difficulty with withdrawal for CC genotype carriers compared to AA individuals.
Alex’s Result: FAAH 385 C>A / CC = normal signalling
Neurotrophin Pathway
Neurotrophins are special proteins in your body that help brain cells grow, stay healthy, and work properly. Think of them like “brain fertilisers” that support the life and function of your brain and nerve cells.
There are different types of neurotrophins, including:
- NGF (Nerve Growth Factor)
- BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)
- NT-3 and NT-4 (Neurotrophin-3 and -4)
These proteins are especially important during brain development, but they also continue to help your brain as you get older. They’re involved in things like:
- Helping brain cells survive and connect with each other
- Supporting learning and memory
- Helping your brain recover from injury or stress
In short:
Neurotrophins are like brain-nurturing helpers that keep brain cells strong and play a big role in learning, memory, and overall brain health.
| Neurotrophic | BDNF | Val66Met | CC | n = nomarl | m = normal | a = normal |
Alex’s Result: BDNF Val66Met / CC
BDNF is a gene that makes a special protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. This protein acts like brain fertilizer—it helps brain cells grow, stay alive, and form strong connections with each other.
BDNF is important for many parts of brain development, including:
- Helping brain cells survive and grow
- Helping them move to the right places
- Supporting the growth of branches and connections between brain cells (which is how they “talk” to each other)
- Improving learning, memory, and adaptability (called “plasticity”)
BDNF also seems to be involved in how we respond to stress, and changes in this gene have been linked to mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, and brain diseases (such as Alzheimer’s).
Interestingly, BDNF may also influence addictive behaviours, like binge eating or substance use.
So in short:
BDNF is a key gene that helps your brain grow, adapt, and stay healthy. It plays a role in learning, mood, stress, and even some addictive behaviours.
Genes come in different versions, kind of like different settings on a switch. The BDNF gene also has versions, and one of them is called the “CC genotype.”
This CC version is considered the normal or typical version (also called the “wild type”). People with this version usually have normal levels and function of the BDNF protein in their brains.
Because of that, they are thought to have a regular, healthy brain response to stress and mood regulation, and they do not have an increased genetic risk for mental health problems due to this gene.
So in short:
Having the CC version of the BDNF gene means your brain likely makes and uses BDNF normally, which supports mental and emotional well-being.
Nootropic Medicine
What Are Nootropic Medicines?
Nootropics (also called “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers) are substances that aim to improve brain function, such as:
- Focus
- Memory
- Learning
- Mood
- Motivation
Some nootropics are prescription drugs (like Modafinil or Adderall) used for medical conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy. Others are over-the-counter supplements, like:
- L-theanine (found in tea)
- Bacopa monnieri (an herb)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Caffeine
How Do They Relate?
Some nootropic medicines or supplements may work in part by increasing neurotrophins, especially BDNF. For example:
- Exercise, certain diets, and curcumin (from turmeric) can boost BDNF levels naturally
- Some nootropics may stimulate BDNF production, helping improve memory, learning, and mood
So, boosting neurotrophins—especially BDNF—is one of the key goals of many nootropic approaches because of their essential role in brain health and plasticity.
In short:
Neurotrophins help the brain grow and stay sharp, and nootropic medicines or supplements often try to enhance this effect to improve brain performance.
PLEASE NOTE: ANY VIEWS REGARDING THE RESULTS ARE MY UNDERSTANDING AND DO NOT SERVE AS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. THE TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION IS STRICTLY RELATED TO ALEX’S RESULTS AND NOT MEANT FOR SELF-TREATMENT. ALWAYS SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY TREATMENTS.
