Understanding the brain changes in major depression

Human brain multi-omics to decipher major depression pathophysiology

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-10912634

This study is looking at how major depressive disorder affects the brain, especially a part called the hippocampus that helps with mood and memory, to find out what changes happen in the brain and how stress and treatments might play a role, which could help us understand depression better and improve ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10912634 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the biological changes in the brain associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) by examining the hippocampus, a region critical for mood regulation and memory. Using advanced techniques like high-resolution mass spectrometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify specific proteins and genes that differ between individuals with MDD and those without psychiatric conditions. By analyzing these changes at both the regional and single-cell levels, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of MDD and how they may be influenced by stress and treatment. This could lead to a better understanding of how depression affects brain function and potentially improve treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with other psychiatric disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the biological basis of major depression, potentially resulting in more effective treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain changes in depression using similar biological approaches, indicating that this line of inquiry is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.