The genetics of depression and related traits.
There is considerable evidence that genetic factors play a major role in the etiology of unipolar depression. Investigations into vulnerability genes for unipolar depression are underway and for more broadly defined depression-related traits, such as anxiety, neuroticism, and harm avoidance. This review discusses some of the core issues related to study design and molecular genetic methodology, followed by an overview of recent molecular genetic findings for unipolar depression. The research to date has identified regions within certain chromosomes that may contain risk genes. Improved study design and the use of new molecular techniques hold promise for the identification of more specific vulnerability genes for unipolar depression.
Huezo-Diaz
Patricia
P
MRC Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, UK. p.huezo-diaz@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Tandon
Kopal
K
Aitchison
Katherine J
KJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D008040:Genetic Linkage / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D008126:Lod Score; D051379:Mice; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012931:Social Environment
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins