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  Monday, April 19, 2004

Probing the Genetics of Depression

A new project that will probe the genetics of depression was launched this week at the Human Genome Meeting in Berlin, Germany. This multinational study will seek to develop new drugs to treat depression. Current antidepressants essentially regulate serotonin in the brain. The drawback of these medications is that there is a lag time until they take effect and unfortunately, they are effective only in about half of the individuals who take them.

The goal of this new project, called NEWMOOD, is to devise new drug targets for depression, to delineate ways to understand the causes of this disabling disorder and to devise ways to enhance early detection. There is a plan to build a microchip that contains the 800 genes that may be related to depression, including those affecting metabolism, growth and cell communication. The chip will detect which genes are active in healthy and depressed animals and humans and hopefully help to pinpoint areas to study. The causes of depression are attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. Chronic stress, such as long term illness or bereavement, may trigger depression in those genetically predisposed to the condition. Psychological therapies and counseling are commonly used along with current drug treatments.

The NEWMOOD project has 7.3 million euros of funding from the European Union Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). It will take place in 13 laboratories in ten countries over the next five years.

Nature Science Update, April 19, 2004

Public Health Genetics Unit Newsletter, April 2004


10:23:32 PM    comment []


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