Trans-Nordic study of extreme major depression genetics
Official title: A Trans-Nordic Study of Extreme Major Depression
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11296620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large genetics study is examining extreme forms of major depressive disorder to uncover why it is more severe and how it differs from typical depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $270,388 |
| NIH project number | 2R01MH123724-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11296620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with a history of phenotype-extreme major depressive disorder (xMDD), including those with severe symptoms and poorer outcomes, who may contribute genetic data or participate in future analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without extreme depression or without participation in genetic analyses may not directly benefit from this particular study.
What this research studies
This project builds on a successful previous grant to study extreme major depressive disorder (xMDD) by analyzing lots of genetic data, including both common and rare variants. It will combine genomic information with advanced single-cell and chromatin analyses to map how xMDD develops at the molecular level. The team aims to include tens to hundreds of thousands of participants, leveraging international collaborations, and will look for genetic signals that could inform personalized treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to more precise diagnoses and targeted therapies for people with extreme forms of depression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has produced many publications and identified genetic factors; this renewal aims to expand the dataset and refine mechanisms further.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Patrick F — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Patrick F
Related research
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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.