Depression is common and an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a majority of the affected persons remain untreated. The one-year prevalence of depression is reported to be 5-10% and the incidence is increasing, especially in younger age groups. Both environment, such as negative life events and socioeconomic conditions, as well as heritable factors influence the risk of developing depression. Environment can act on gene expression, and thereby biological function, through epigenetic changes, which sometimes is dependent on the DNA sequence. Using large Swedish population-based cohorts and a model of depressive-like behavior, we study (i) effects of environment or antidepressive treatment on epigenetic state and gene expression, and (ii) main and interactive effects of variation in DNA sequence, environment and DNA methylation on depressive disorders. This is performed primarily, but not exclusively, at genetic sites with prior candidacy to be involved in depressive disorder. We believe that the approach of combining data on environmental exposure, DNA sequence and epigenetic variation, and translating between model and human individuals, is a valuable approach to understand biological underpinnings of depression.
Depression group members:
Catharina Lavebratt catharina.lavebratt@ki.se
Yvonne Forsell yvonne.forsell@ki.se
Philippe Melas philippe.melas@ki.se
Yabin Wei yabin.wei@ki.se
Depression group publications link to Google Scholar