University of Queensland researchers find genetic link to depression

Queensland scientists have helped identify genes associated with depression in a landmark decade-long study, which could result in the development of revolutionary new treatments.

QUEENSLAND scientists have helped identify genes associated with depression in a landmark study, that could result in the development of revolutionary new treatments.

The University of Queensland teamed up with international researchers, including the University of Edinburgh, to analyse data of more than 800,000 people – of which about 250,000 had depression.

The study, published today in Nature Neuroscience found 269 genes linked to depression, and 87 genetic changes.

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The genes included some associated with the structure of synapses in the brain (the junctions between nerve cells), and the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the brain.

UQ postdoctoral research fellow and one of the authors of the study Dr Maciej Trzaskowski said the study took about a decade and the prospect for helping treat depression was “really exciting”.

A study, published today in Nature Neuroscience found 269 genes that were linked to depression, and 87 genetic changes.

“This is one of the main things, the whole population of humanity show some type of risk for depression, but the severity of that condition obviously varies from individual to individual,” Dr Trzaskowski said.

“Some will have a very high risk of developing depression so any sort of environment triggers might lead them into the path of developing depression.”

Depression is the leading cause of worldwide disability, with an estimated one in six people developing the disorder in their lifetime.

Research has revealed significant correlations with depression include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, college completion, coronary artery disease, triglycerides, body fat and waist-to-hip ratio.

The research found ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, typically diagnosed during early childhood (age four to six) was associated with an increased risk of depression during adolescence.

Dr Trzaskowski also said neuroticism – a tendency to be worried or fearful – could lead people to become depressed, which could shed light on personality factors that put people at risk.

He said this research was “really important” to identify the relationship of depression with other behaviours or disorders at a genetic level, and understanding these could lead to a more accurate personalised medicine.

“We don’t quite understand why some people respond to one drug and others respond to another,” he said.

“Maybe understanding the bigger picture of which depression or relationship of depression it is, maybe gives us a better understanding of what makes people respond to one drug, or maybe there is a better drug that actually will help them.”

Director of research at mental health charity MQ, Sophie Dix said the study was a “welcome step given the dearth of innovation in identifying new approaches”.

“We have seen very little advancement in nearly 50 years for people living with depression and right now the avenues available are not working for everyone.

“The power of this big genetic study is that it can point to systems in the brain which adds to our currently limited understanding in this area.

“By increasing our understanding of these systems, and how the social environment affects biological risk factors, we can begin to identify new targets for treatments that could help the millions of people worldwide affected by depression.”

Interestingly, the findings also suggest depression could be a driving factor leading some people to smoke, but researchers said this assumption required more research.