Understanding the genetic and environmental factors in major depression across diverse populations

Cross-Population Working Group on Genes and Environment in Major Depression (POP-GEM): Advancing the Understating of Etiology through Diversity

NIH-funded research Suny Downstate Medical Center · NIH-10977072

This study is looking at how our genes and surroundings can affect major depression, especially by including different groups of people who haven't been studied much before, to help find better ways to understand and treat this condition for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSuny Downstate Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Brooklyn, United States)
Project IDNIH-10977072 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the genetic and environmental influences on major depression (MD) by including diverse populations that have been historically underrepresented in genetic studies. By forming the Cross-Population Working Group on Genes and Environment in Major Depression (POP-GEM), the project will analyze genomic data from over 70,000 cases of MD from various ancestries. The goal is to identify genetic variants associated with MD and understand how these factors differ across populations, which could lead to better risk profiling and treatment options tailored to diverse groups.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with major depression from various ancestral backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have major depression or those from populations already well-represented in genetic studies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of major depression for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that broadening the diversity of study populations can enhance the understanding of genetic factors in various diseases, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Brooklyn, 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.
Conditions Anxiety DisordersCardiac DiseasesCardiac Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.