Cell-free DNA as a biomarker for electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression
Official title: Cell-free DNA as a biomarker of electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11289221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study with people who have treatment-resistant depression will explore whether fragments of DNA circulating in blood can reflect how well electroconvulsive therapy works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $433,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH143206-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11289221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with treatment-resistant depression who are considering or scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving ECT or do not have treatment-resistant depression may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project will follow patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy for treatment-resistant depression and collect blood samples before, during, and after treatment to measure levels of circulating cell-free DNA. The goal is to see if cfDNA patterns correlate with clinical response and cognitive side effects, helping clinicians tailor ECT treatment. The research uses a high-risk/high-reward approach to uncover biological signals that could guide safer, more effective dosing and timing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to a blood test that helps personalize ECT, improving response and reducing cognitive side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown cfDNA is a promising biomarker in other conditions, but its use with ECT in depression is exploratory and novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ophoff, Roel a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ophoff, Roel a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.