Epigenetic mechanisms underlying the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in depression and response to antidepressants.

ABSTRACT: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a devastating neuropsychiatric disorder encompassing a wide range of cognitive and emotional dysfunctions. The prevalence of MDD is expected to continue its growth to become the second leading cause of disease burden (after HIV) by 2030. Despite an extensive research effort, the exact etiology of MDD remains elusive and the diagnostics uncertain. Moreover, a marked inter-individual variability is observed in the vulnerability to develop depression, as well as in response to antidepressant treatment, for nearly 50% of patients. Although a genetic component accounts for some cases of MDD, it is now clearly established that MDD results from strong gene and environment interactions. Such interactions could be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, defined as chro

SUBMITTER: Duclot F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4286703 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature