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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior

The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior

Published on: March 2, 2015

Pharmacogenetics in major depression: a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Tomihisa Niitsu¹, Chiara Fabbri, Francesco Bentini

¹Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry

|June 5, 2013

Summary

This meta-analysis found the BDNF Val66Met gene variant is linked to better antidepressant response, especially SSRIs in Asian populations. However, no single gene variant showed a major overall effect on antidepressant efficacy in major depression.

Keywords:

AD(s)Antidepressant GENDEP GWAS Genome-based Therapeutic Drugs for Depression LD MARS MD MDD Major depressive disorder Meta-analysis Munich Antidepressant Response Signature Project Polymorphism Remission Response STAR*D Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression antidepressant(s)genome-wide association study linkage disequilibrium major depression major depressive disorder

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Published on: February 24, 2023

Area of Science:

Pharmacogenetics
Neuroscience
Psychiatry

Background:

Candidate gene studies on major depression (MD) and antidepressant (AD) efficacy have yielded inconclusive results.
Evaluating cumulative evidence from these studies is crucial for understanding genetic influences on treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of published candidate gene studies on AD efficacy in MD.
To assess the cumulative evidence for specific gene polymorphisms and their association with AD treatment response.

Main Methods:

A random-effect model was used for meta-analysis of genotypic data from at least three independent studies.
Analysis was stratified by ethnicity (Caucasian, Asian, other/mixed) and AD class (SSRIs, mixed/other ADs).
Fifteen polymorphisms in 11 genes were analyzed, excluding 5-HTTLPR in SLC6A4.

Main Results:

The BDNF rs6265 (Val66Met) heterozygous genotype was associated with better SSRI response, particularly in Asians (OR=1.53).
Other polymorphisms (SLC6A4 STin2, HTR2A, GNB3, FKBP5, ABCB1) showed associations, but results were highly dependent on limited studies.
Overall, no single gene variant demonstrated a major effect on AD efficacy across all analyses.

Conclusions:

BDNF Val66Met appears to be the most promising candidate gene influencing AD response, with a specific effect on SSRI treatment.
The findings suggest that while some gene variants may play a role, their overall impact on antidepressant efficacy in major depression is not substantial.
Further research is needed to clarify the complex genetic underpinnings of antidepressant treatment response.