Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor rs6265 (Val66Met) polymorphism and depression in Mexican-Americans
Luciana Ribeiro1, João V Busnello, Rita M Cantor
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Center on Pharmacogenomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136-1013, USA. lribeiro@med.miami.edu
Abstract:
The hypothesis that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the pathogenesis of major depression is supported by several research findings; however, genetic studies assessing the relationship between BDNF and psychiatric disorders have produced conflicting results. We examined the effect of a BDNF polymorphism on depression susceptibility in Mexican-Americans. The single nucleotide polymorphism (Val66Met), which has been shown to have functional and behavioral effects, was genotyped in 284 depressed participants and 331 controls, showing association with depression (P=0.005). Individuals homozygous for the major allele (GG) had an increased chance of being depressed (OR=1.7 95% CI 1.17-2.47). Our findings support the association of BDNF single nucleotide polymorphism rs6265 and depression, suggesting that this polymorphism may increase susceptibility to major depression in Mexican-Americans.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Depression: Overview
