44 gene variants related to depression were discovered

The largest study of depression identified 44 genetic variants related to the disease, including 30 known times.

All humans carry at least one of these gene variants.(Photo: Pixabay / Daniel Reche).

According to Reuters, the findings came after 200 scientists around the world conducted research on 135,458 cases of depression. Not only did the risk of disease increase, 44 gene variants also affected the drug's effect, thus explaining why only 50% of depressed people respond well to treatment. In particular, all humanity carries at least one of these gene variants.

In Nature Genetics, Dr. Gerome Breen from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience from King London University (UK) belongs to the group of authors on genetic basis, depression has similarities with other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Thanks to the discovery of 44 genetic variants, Dr. Breen expects that medicine will discover and improve therapies for depression.

Also participating in the research team, Professor Cathryn Lewis of the American Psychiatric Association stressed that the work elucidates the genetic aspect but "this is just the beginning": "We need to continue digging. deep gene expression as well as how it combines with environmental factors to increase the risk of depression ".