TU Dublin Lecturer Co-Authors Ground-breaking Depression Research Published in Nature Mental Health
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A major new international study, co-authored by Dr Therese Murphy, a Lecturer in Molecular Diagnostics and Bioinformatics in the School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences at TU Dublin, has made important progress in understanding the biological factors linked to major depression, one of the leading causes of ill health worldwide.
The study, published this week in Nature Mental Health, is the largest of its kind to date. The study involved 18 studies and more than 24,000 participants of European ancestry, as well as a separate group of over 2,000 participants of East Asian ancestry.
Why This Research Matters
Major depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people globally. Previous research has suggested that changes in DNA methylation - a process that helps control how our genes work – may play a role in depression. However, earlier studies were too small to confirm this link.
By combining data from many studies, this research team was able to identify key DNA changes and uncover how they may contribute to depression.
Key Findings
- 15 specific DNA sites identified: These were strongly linked to the lifetime risk of depression.
- New methylation score developed: This score can help classify whether a person has depression, showing promise for future diagnostic tools.
- Connection to the immune system: The methylation score was strongly linked to five inflammatory protein markers, particularly tumour necrosis factor beta, suggesting the immune system plays a crucial role in depression.
- Potential causal links discovered: 23 DNA sites were found that may directly influence depression risk, with seven confirmed in an independent study.
Advancing Depression Research
This groundbreaking study provides strong evidence that changes in DNA methylation are associated with depression, offering new insights into how the condition develops and highlighting the role of the immune system.
Dr Murphy’s involvement showcases TU Dublin’s contribution to world-leading mental health research and strengthens our understanding of the biological foundations of depression, with the potential to shape future treatments and prevention strategies.
Read the full article in Nature Mental Health.
The Research Team wishes to express their deep gratitude to the participants, analysts, and project leads who made this collaborative effort possible.