Identification of Common Genes Related to Depression and Inflammation

Many studies have reported an association between depression and inflammation, which are both involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent studies indicate that several shared etiological mechanisms might explain the striking coexistence between depression and inflammation. Our recent findings show that more than 60% of the covariance between depressive symptoms and interleukin-6 can be explained by shared genetic influences. The main objective of the current proposal is, therefore, to discover common genes related to both depression and inflammation. In context of the recent progress in gene mapping techniques, a hypothesis-free genome wide association (GWA) approach will be used. The specific aims of this project are: 1) to identify genetic variants related to both depressive symptoms and inflammation by using a GWA discovery scan in the Framingham Offspring Cohort (N=3492) and 2) to replicate 100 SNPs of the GWA findings in two independent samples (N=7534). Identification and characterization of the potential common genetic variants will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying brain-immune interactions, and their adverse effects on the development of cardiovascular disease. It may also assist in the design of novel drug targets, thus eventually benefiting clinical treatments. (AHA Program: Scientist Development Grant)