Gene Found for Depression

Based on data from large families in Utah that contain multiple cases of major depressive disorder, scientists have discovered a gene for major depression, the apoptosis protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1) gene. The finding was reported in the October 18, 2005, online edition of Molecular Psychiatry.

The Apaf-1 gene makes the Apaf-1 protein, an activator of a cascade of events leading to the destruction of a cell. Certain forms of the gene, found to be over-represented in families with major depression, cause a gain of function, leading to increased cell death, or apoptosis. This cell death increase is involved in the cause of major depressive disorder, a hypothesis proposed by scientists at Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT, USA), and supported by their new discovery.

Gain of function variants that cause disease are of special interest to drug developers because it is often easier to block the action of a rogue protein than to restore a lost function. Therefore, drug development scientists at Myriad believe the molecules that inhibit Apaf-1 and its resulting brain cell self-destruction may provide the source of a new class of drugs to treat major depressive disorder.

"We are very excited by the potential of the Apaf-1 gene discovery to lead to new therapeutics for the treatment of depression,” said Peter Meldrum, president and CEO of Myriad Genetics. "There is a real need for novel, more-effective therapies to treat this debilitating disease.”





Related Links:
Myriad Genetics