How sex differences shape genes linked to depression
Official title: The role of sex in genetic association studies of depression
Funded at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. · NIH-11321145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are developing new ways to understand how being male or female changes genetic links to depression in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $411,212 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129337-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (age 18 and older) with current or past depression symptoms are the most directly relevant group for this genetics-focused work.
✕Less likely to help
People under 18 or those whose depression appears driven entirely by non-genetic life events may not see direct benefits from this genetics-focused effort.
What this research studies
This project analyzes genetic and health data from very large biobanks to look for differences in depression risk between males and females. The team is building new statistical methods to detect sex-specific genetic signals using the UK Biobank and will validate results in the Mass General Brigham Biobank. The work uses existing genetic and depression information rather than new medical procedures or treatments. Over time, the findings could point to biological reasons for sex differences and help guide more tailored treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal sex-based biological differences that help develop more personalized and effective treatments for depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous large genetic studies have found many risk variants for depression, but approaches specifically targeting sex differences are newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
Canton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lutz, Sharon Marie — Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lutz, Sharon Marie
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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.