Immune changes linked to depression during perimenopause
The immunobiological mechanisms of depression in perimenopause
This project looks at how hormone-related immune changes may cause depression in women going through perimenopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250128 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect blood and clinical information from women in perimenopause, including those with and without depressive symptoms. They will examine immune cells (especially T cells), measure cytokines and tryptophan-related metabolites, and analyze DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility using methods such as ATAC-seq. By comparing these molecular patterns to symptoms and hormone changes, the team hopes to identify immune pathways that shift during the menopause transition. Results could point to blood markers or immune-targeted approaches to reduce depression risk in this time of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women who are in the perimenopausal transition, especially those with current depressive symptoms or a history of depression, are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not in perimenopause (men, younger premenopausal women, or those long past menopause) are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help identify biomarkers or immune targets that lead to new ways to prevent or treat depression during perimenopause.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked immune and tryptophan-metabolite changes to depression in pregnancy and postpartum, but applying this immune- and chromatin-focused approach to perimenopause is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Grand Rapids, United States
- Van Andel Research Institute — Grand Rapids, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brundin, Lena Cecilia — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Brundin, Lena Cecilia
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 below.