Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Applying Stereotactic Injection Technique to Study Genetic Effects on Animal Behaviors
Published on: May 10, 2015
The role of GRIK4 gene in treatment-resistant depression
Elena Milanesi1, Cristian Bonvicini2, Chiara Congiu3
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology,Sackler Faculty of Medicine,Tel Aviv University,Tel Aviv 69978,Israel.
Abstract:
Several lines of evidence implicate abnormalities in glutamatergic neural transmission in major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment response. A high percentage of MDD patients do not respond adequately to antidepressants and are classified as having treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In this study we investigated five GRIK4 variants, previously associated with antidepressants response, in an Italian cohort of 247 MDD no-TRD and 380 TRD patients. We found an association between rs11218030 G allele and TRD. Moreover, significant associations between rs11218030 and rs1954787 and the presence of psychotic symptoms were observed. In conclusion, our data support the involvement of GRIK4 in TRD and in the risk of developing psychotic symptoms during depressive episodes.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
G-protein Coupled Receptors
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...
Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

