Understanding how brain cells contribute to major depressive disorder
Official title: The role of microglia in major depressive disorder
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-10948932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells might be involved in major depressive disorder to help understand the condition better and find new ways to treat it for people who are struggling with depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005160-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with depression who are under 21 years old or those whose symptoms are not linked to biological factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, a type of brain cell, in major depressive disorder (MDD), which affects millions worldwide. The study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind MDD by linking genetic risk factors to changes in gene expression in brain tissues. By utilizing advanced techniques like massively parallel reporter assays, researchers will validate how specific genetic variants influence the activity of genes related to depression. This approach could lead to new therapeutic strategies for those suffering from MDD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for major depressive disorder, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in linking genetic risk factors to psychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for major depressive disorder as well.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dracheva, Stella — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Dracheva, Stella
Related research
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Single-cell study of mood-regulation brain circuits in depression
A large study will map which genes and cell types in mood-related brain circuits are linked to major depressive disorder, including differences by ancestry and sex.
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Single-cell map of mood circuits in major depressive disorder
Researchers will map the tiny brain cells in mood-control areas to understand how genes and cell types relate to depression, with attention to ancestry and sex.
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Making genetic research clearer to find genes linked to major depression
Researchers will use health records and genetic data to pinpoint genes that drive major depression, aiming to help people with depression get better-targeted treatments.
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How iTBS and a brain drug could boost brain wiring to help depression
A study tests whether a brain-stimulating treatment (iTBS) works by improving brain plasticity and whether adding a drug (DCS) enhances this effect for people with major depressive disorder.
-
Portable, low-cost genetic test to guide antidepressant choices
This project is creating a small, affordable device that rapidly reads genes that affect how people with major depressive disorder process antidepressants to help choose safer, more effective medicines.
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.