The RBFOX1 regulatory gene network contributes to major depressive disorder, anxiety, irritability and neuroticism

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex psychiatric disorder frequently comorbid with anxiety disorders, suicide attempts, and personality traits such as irritability and neuroticism. RBFOX1, which encodes a splicing factor, is a known risk gene for MDD, and has also been associated with anxiety and neuroticism. However, the working mechanisms of how RBFOX1 influences these conditions are not yet understood. Here, we aim to shed light on the effects of RBFOX1 and its regulated genes on MDD, and the traits anxiety, irritability, neuroticism, as well as suicide attempt using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from previous research. We demonstrate that RBFOX1 is associated with MDD, anxiety, and neuroticism, and that genes associated with all tested phenotypes, except suicide attempts, are significantly enriched in RBFOX1-regulated genes. These genes show a substantial overlap between MDD and comorbid traits and are involved in neuronal development, synaptic processes, and neurotransmitter regulation. Our network analysis reveals that RBFOX1 functions as a central hub, integrating and coordinating neighbouring nodes. Through differential gene expression prediction and the study of rare disorders presenting with depression, anxiety, irritability, or neuroticism, alongside our previous analyses, we highlight 19 top-ranked genes regulated by RBFOX1, including CADM2, CTSB, MAPT, NSF, PAX6, SCAI, SNCA, SP4, and TCF4. Our findings underscore the key role of RBFOX1 and its regulated gene network in the genetic architecture of MDD and comorbid traits. These insights may contribute to improving the prevention and treatment of MDD in the future.