Brain cells linked to depression identified for the first time

The gene disruption occurred in two key groups of cells, including a type of excitatory neuron involved in regulating emotions and a subgroup of microglial cells that play a role in controlling inflammation in the brain.

Canadian scientists have for the first time identified two types of brain cells that are markedly altered in people with depression – a breakthrough that sheds light on the biology of the disease and paves the way for targeted therapies.

The study, conducted by McGill University and the Douglas Institute, published in the journal Nature Genetics, was based on rare brain tissue from the Douglas-Bell Brain Bank of Canada – one of the few sources in the world donated by people with mental disorders.

Using single-cell genetics techniques, the team analyzed the RNA and DNA of thousands of brain cells from 59 people with depression and 41 people without the disease, to determine which cell types behaved differently and which gene segments were responsible for these changes.

The results showed that gene dysfunction occurred in two key groups of cells: a type of excitatory neuron involved in regulating emotions and responding to stress, and a subgroup of microglia cells that play a role in controlling inflammation in the brain.

In both of these cell types, many genes are abnormally active in depressed people, suggesting profound disturbances in the neural systems involved in mood and immunity.

“This is the first time we have identified the specific cell types affected in depression, by mapping gene activity along with the mechanisms that regulate the genetic code,” said lead author Professor Gustavo Turecki. “This gives us a better understanding of where in the brain the disorder is occurring and which cells are involved.”

According to Mr. Turecki, this discovery helps to dispel the notion that depression is only a psychological problem. He commented: “Depression is not just an emotion – it is a manifestation of real, measurable changes in the brain.”

The team now plans to investigate how these cellular changes affect brain function, as well as evaluate the possibility of developing new therapies that directly target them./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/lan-dau-xac-dinh-te-bao-nao-lien-quan-den-tram-cam-post1068538.vnp