Mapping cell and gene changes in the brain linked to depression
2/2 Large-scale, single-cell characterization of molecular and cellular networks of mood regulation circuitry in major depressive disorder
Mapping genes and cell types in key mood-regulating brain regions from people with major depressive disorder, including diverse ancestries and both sexes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montreal, Canada) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184481 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at individual brain cells from the anterior cingulate cortex, basolateral amygdala, and hippocampus to find gene changes tied to depression. It uses single-nucleus transcriptomics on a large and more diverse set of samples, with attention to genetic ancestry (including African ancestry) and sex. The team will compare cell types and gene networks within and between these regions to find which cells and connections are most altered in depressive states. Results aim to reveal biological targets and explain ancestry- and sex-related differences in disease burden.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with a history of major depressive disorder or families willing to donate brain tissue or clinical data, especially from diverse ancestries including African ancestry.
Not a fit: People without MDD, those seeking immediate treatment changes, or those unable to donate brain tissue are unlikely to see direct short-term benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific cell types and gene pathways that drive depression, guiding future targeted treatments or biomarkers.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier single-cell brain studies have found cell-type-specific gene changes in depression, but this project is larger and more focused on ancestry and sex differences.
Where this research is happening
Montreal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas — Montreal, Canada (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turecki, Gustavo — Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas
- Study coordinator: Turecki, Gustavo
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.