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Epigenetics and depression: return of the repressed.
Victoria S Dalton1, Erik Kolshus1, Declan M McLoughlin1
1Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick's University Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|November 19, 2013
Summary
Epigenetic changes link adverse life events to depression by altering gene expression. These modifications may offer future biomarkers for diagnosing and treating major depressive disorder (MDD).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Epigenetics modulates gene expression without altering DNA sequence, influenced by environmental factors.
- Adverse stimuli can cause persistent epigenetic changes, impacting protein production.
- This review focuses on epigenetics in major depressive disorder (MDD), examining preclinical and clinical evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an introduction and overview of epigenetics.
- To review epigenetic mechanisms relevant to major depressive disorder (MDD).
- To explore the link between environmental factors, epigenetics, and depression.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed and Web of Science (1995-2012).
- Used search terms: "epigenetic", "microRNA", "DNA methylation", "depression", "early life stress", "antidepressant".
Main Results:
- Early life stress is associated with epigenetic modifications.
- Epigenetic changes are observed in individuals with MDD, potentially serving as diagnostic biomarkers.
- Antidepressant treatments may induce compensatory epigenetic alterations.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications explain how adverse events influence gene expression in depression.
- Future applications include biomarkers for MDD risk, diagnosis, and novel epigenetics-based therapies.
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