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Gender-specific decrease in NUDR and 5-HT1A receptor proteins in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with major
Bernadeta Szewczyk1, Paul R Albert, Ariel M Burns
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
|June 20, 2008
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to altered 5-HT1A receptor binding. This study found reduced nuclear deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor (NUDR) and 5-HT1A receptor protein in female MDD patients, suggesting a gender-specific biological mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with altered 5-HT1A receptor binding.
- Nuclear deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor (NUDR/Deaf-1) modulates the 5-HT1A receptor gene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the localization of NUDR in the human prefrontal cortex.
- To examine NUDR and 5-HT1A receptor protein levels in depressed vs. control subjects, stratified by gender.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to assess NUDR localization.
- Western blot analysis to quantify NUDR and 5-HT1A receptor protein levels in prefrontal cortex tissue.
Main Results:
- NUDR was found in neurons and glia, co-localizing with 5-HT1A receptor neurons.
- Female MDD subjects showed significant reductions in prefrontal cortex NUDR (42%) and 5-HT1A receptor protein (46%).
- Male MDD subjects showed no significant changes in either protein compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Reduced NUDR expression in female MDD patients may contribute to decreased 5-HT1A receptor levels.
- Gender-specific alterations in NUDR and 5-HT1A receptor proteins may underlie the higher incidence of depression in women.
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