Merve Demirbugen Oz
Ankara University, Turkey
Title: The role of genetic and epigenetic factors in major depressive disorder
Biography
Biography: Merve Demirbugen Oz
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common psychiatric disorder all around the world and the leading cause of disability/has the greatest impact of patients’ daily life[1]. As it has a high prevalence and enormous social, economic and health burden, it is essential to ease certain symptoms[2]. Despite a number of studies and new researches, the exact mechanism of MDD is still unknown. It is well known that genetic factors play role in the development of MDD. Besides genetic factors, recent investigations revealed that non-genetic mechanisms have pivotal role. According to the genetic studies, Serotonin Transporter (5HTT/SLC6A4) and Serotonin Receptor 2A
(HTR2A), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms might have role in the occurrence of MDD [3, 4]. Epigenetic events alter the chromatin structure and thus modulate expression of genes that play a role in depressive behaviors, and response to antidepressants [5, 6]. Based on these, here we review the evidence of the genetic and non-genetic factors, roles of histone acetylation, DNA methylation and the MDD occurrence/susceptibility. There by, having knowledge about the basis of the MDD, may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating major
depression.