Hundreds of newly discovered genes indicate depression in humans

Physicians discover hundreds of genes linked to depression

About one in six people experience depression during their lifetime, and new genetic studies indicate that DNA screening would help identify the most vulnerable individuals long before the first symptoms appear.

Researchers at Edinburgh University have found in their recent research that hundreds of newly identified genes are linked to the onset of depression. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Nature Neuroscience".

Certain genes are associated with depression and smoking

Hundreds of newly identified genes appear to be associated with depression. The experts also found that people carrying these genes are more likely to start smoking during their lifetime, and there was also a significant genetic correlation between depression and schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurotic personality traits.

DNA samples from more than two million people were evaluated

The results are based on the DNA samples of more than two million people. Researchers used a complex and relatively new statistical technique called Mendelian randomization to identify 269 genes that have not previously been linked to depression. People are already born with their genes, so when a link is established between a gene and a condition like depression, doctors know that genes are somehow involved in the cause of depression, says study author Professor Andrew McIntosh of Edinburgh University.

Depression is not always due to our genes

Scientists do not claim that genetic factors cause depression in all people, most depression is probably caused by environmental factors, but the evidence suggests that depression leads to smoking. It is unclear why genes associated with depression have persisted in the population, but it is believed that they mutate too often to be extinguished by the so-called natural selection, or the associated traits, such as excessive fear of potential dangers To give people a survival advantage.

New treatments and medicines?

Research on genes could lead to the development of screening tools and more personalized treatments in the future, explains the study author. If you could identify the people most affected by depression, then you could help them change their lifestyle and possibly get them treated sooner. The genetic insights could also be used to identify new drug treatments for depression or to tailor the drug treatment to the people most likely to respond to it, the physicians explain.

Further research is already in the planning stage

In the meantime, researchers are recruiting 40,000 people across the UK for the next phase of their study, who have already suffered from depression or anxiety in the past. Participants are invited to submit saliva samples for genetic analysis and to complete a questionnaire on their health and lifestyle. (As)