Mitochondria, epigenetics, and TMS for treatment-resistant depression
A translational approach for novel mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in treatment responses: toward a precision medicine model
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11289387
See if levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and related mitochondrial changes help predict or improve responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation in people with treatment-resistant depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11289387 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would receive standard TMS treatment while researchers measure acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) in blood and study brain connectivity using imaging. The team combines molecular tests with brain scans and clinical symptom tracking to link LAC-related mitochondrial activity to who gets better after TMS. They will use computer algorithms to find biomarker patterns and examine whether men and women differ in these pathways. Some lab work on cells or tissues may be used to understand underlying epigenetic mechanisms that relate to the human findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with treatment-resistant depression who are eligible for TMS and willing to provide blood samples, undergo brain imaging, and complete clinical follow-up would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without treatment-resistant depression, those not eligible for or unwilling to receive TMS, or those who cannot have imaging or blood draws are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict who will benefit from TMS and point to new, more personalized treatments for people with treatment-resistant depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and small clinical studies suggest acetyl-L-carnitine can have rapid antidepressant-like effects, but using LAC and mitochondrial biomarkers to predict or guide TMS response is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NASCA, CARLA — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: NASCA, CARLA
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.