DEPRESSION GENE DISCOVERY
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Myriad Genetics, Inc., announced its discovery of the Apoptosis Protease Activating Factor 1 (Apaf-1) gene for major depression has been published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, and is available online today.
The Apaf-1 gene was discovered using large families from Utah that contain multiple cases of major depressive disorder. The evidence presented in the study supports a new hypothesis that increased destruction of brain cells through apoptosis leads to major depression in individuals with specific variations in the Apaf-1 gene. The discovery has important implications for the development of a new class of drugs to treat depression, a common and devastating disease.
The study, entitled "Variants in Apaf-1 Segregating with Major Depression Promote Apoptosome Function", is to be published in the scientific journal, Molecular Psychiatry, Vol. 10, issue 11, November 2005. It has been made available for early release online today by the publisher, at http://www.nature.com/mp/.
One does not have to be trained in genetic science to know that this breakthrough validates Depression as real... not a result of a lazy, weak or fragile character.
Technology is so cool.
48 comments:
informative post. but what is the clinical definition of depression?
Wow. That IS big news! Very cool.
"The discovery has important implications for the development of a new class of drugs to treat depression,"
Thanx for info Deb,..Very interesting and hopeful. ..Maybe this new discovery will lead to fewer side-effects when taking anti-d's. You never know.
fascinating. thanks for the link.
I hope Tom Cruise reads it.
I agree with Heidi, I myself could be near suicide and would probably refuse any type of meds....I think the cure can be worse than the posison in most cases.
Intriguing study. Technology is very cool. Thanks for informing us about this discovery.
This was very informative. Learned something today...
Dear Zaria,
This link will give you all the clinical info on depression and subtypes.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
healthinformation/depressionmenu.cfm
Dear Inger,
Isolating genes is amazing to me. So much can be learned to help disease and disorders. I wonder how they really do it.
Dear Heidi,
I'm sure as discoveries are more precise, so will be the development of target medicines. Side effects are tolerable for some, and horrible for others.
Dear Cathy,
Sheesh, if Tom Cruise were to ever read it, he'd probably deny the science of it all.
Dear Chase,
It's hard to believe that medication can help certain illnesses or disorders. I understand the resistance and even fear of it.
Dear DCS,
I could never understand the article itself because it is so medically and genetically worded, but it is a tremendous discovery. So glad I came across it during my weekly research "sweeps" of the internet. Gonna go visit your site now to say hi.
Dear Rose,
I love the internet and blogging. I have to say that learning new things is such a necessary part of my life. I'm glad this post is informative. I want it to help take the stigma out of depression.
~Deb
that is great news. so many people don't see depression as a chemical and an experiential condition. especially in this repressed culture.
I know this probably sounds silly, but I'm amazed at how such little things as genes can affect a person, a big thing, so much.
This IS good news! I am with Heidi as well... sometimes the cure is causes more damage then the problem. Hopefully this find will open the doors to new anti -depressants with mininmal side effects!
Dear EVI,
The more science can "show" things, the more the repression should lift. You are right how hard it is for our so-called educated society to see things in their real light.
Dear Crouton,
Your site on Radon and its dangers could also describe how something so tiny, even invisible, could cause big consequences. What you say isn't silly at all, it is amazing to me too.
Dear Sarah,
I know the side effects to the meds I take are somewhat minimal, but they are a HUGE bother to me. It would be great to have less side effects and more target success in medications...so I am with you and Heidi on that !!
~Deb
Wonderful article. I'm a RN and I worked in the mental health facility for many years, its good to know the progress of research is constantly being discovered.
Very informative article.
Dr. Deb, I just heard this news: "Most of the survivers of eartquake that hit Pakistan on Oct 8, 2005 are suffering from mental pressure."
Picesgurrl,
Yup, so great that technology helps healthcare. As an RN you must see technology do amazing things!
Shirazi,
The fallout from catastrophe is trauma. My heart goes out to all who are suffering. It is a terrible experience to endure, and we need to do as much as we can to help.
~Deb
Hi Deb....interesting article, as usual. I so appreciate the time and energy it takes to keep up this blog, it's really helpful to me.
I haven't been able to be on my 'puter for a few days, so instead of going to the original posts, may I say: loved the Law and Order SVU episode (why do I always want to say 'SUV'??}. I never really thought about how much preparation went into a successful tv show. I'd heard it, but never really 'got it' before. I'll be more appreciative in the future. And you post on 'fear' was helpful (I'm going to reread that one), and I printed out some of the psychological quotes. ....The meme was fun!
That is great news...should help to bring relief to so many people.
Wow, you're right, technology is something. Hopefully those finding will help somebody.
Dear Ellsue,
I've been back often to visit only to see your last post. Can't wait for you to blog more! I say SUV when I talk about the show too, how funny is that?!
Dear Ohioruthie,
Technology working for the greater "good" is always meaningful. Let's hope the positive explorations stay that way...positive.
Dear Princess Dominique,
Who knows where these findings will take us...hopefully to even greater findings and cures.
~Deb
Dr.Deb, this is really awesome and I'm so happy with their new findings. So many doors have just opened up, amazing!
Oh BTW, that link for the virtual sand art-friggin awesome. i can see spending hours with that thing. i was so fixated on it-lol
Science fascinates me to no end. I will have to check out that article.
What a great discovery. First a vaccine for cervical cancer and now a discovery of a gene that can cause depression...It has been a good couple of weeks for scientists.
I have taken only one drug with side effects. Not terrible, just annoying. It didn't take long to find the right drug for me though and it was beyond helpful.
I just wish others would realize that depression is managable, thru counseling and yes, meds. And that it is real, really really real, is huge.
Thanks for the update Deb!
OH wow, i read about the breast cancer meds yesterday and then this WOW, i hope researchers really find out what they can do with that info so I can get some help!
I finally have a question for you Dr. Deb!!!
Thanks so much!
Dianna
Dear Dawn,
I love sand art...when I found this it just made me so happy!
Dear Chele,
Isn't science cool? I am so in awe of it. I never did well with it in school, but was always a major fan.
Dear Nancy,
So good that you found a med that has few side effects. I also feel so grateful for the success I've had with medication for my own depression. Hope your hubby is feeling well, and that you are too!
Dear Dianna,
The tech advances *are* so wonderful in disease and illness. Couldn't agree with your more. You said you had a question...so ask away. Hope I can answer it for you!
~Deb
The unfortunate part of this is that the people that feel that depression is not a "valid" disease will probably still feel it's not valid. However, I know that this a positive thing for all that suffer will depression (including myself) and hope that they continue to find more information.
Thanks Deb for always keeping us so well informed.
Have a great weekend Deb and fellow bloggers. :)
Mel,
You know, you are right. Those who still refute the realness of the science will still be unmoved by the new genetic findings. I guess that's something that'll always be there...the nay-sayers. But those who can find meaning in the science can feel reassured.
Dear Heidi,
Hope you, and all blogfriends, have a great weekend too. Anything exciting doing in Canada for you?
~Deb
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the info....Wonder how long it will now take the pharmaceutical companies to develop more specific-based drugs...and, if this will be able to somehow be able to be detected thru MRI/pet scans, etc., not to mention how they may cater TMS tx as well...does this discovery also hold for the depressive episodes associated in Bipolar Disorder?
Just wanted to say hey...and thanks again for the supportive words you leave on my blog...had a really good day yesterday and today. Oh its Halloween time so I went ahead and added a scary photo to my profileLOL Just realizing it may show up with my commentsLOL
that is good to know. so I'm not just lazy and irresponsible? YESSSS!!!!
"Anything exciting doing in Canada for you?"
Deb, nothing exciting, pretty boring..Were all just waiting for the first snow storm to get all the attention..lol
Melissa,
This gene is for major depression, not sure if it also is for bipolar. Good question that is worth exploring!
Ohioruthie,
You are going through such a rought time. I'm glad that you can be playful in spite of your loss. I love Halloween time too.
Anna,
Nah, you're not lazy...depression is a real thing!!Love your new picture!
Heidi,
What snowstorm? I gotta check out the weather map! Hope you are cozy and warm up there!
~Deb
Yanno? That is amazing. I always knew they figure that out eventually. As someone who has lived with depression for a long time (both in myself and family members) I am so glad someone has finally discovered a scientific explanation for what I've known all along. How could it not be genetic? I will admit, however, that there are definitely times when I do feel weak and lazy and just wish I could drag myself out of that hole on my own and without drugs. Of course, after that, I smack myself upside the head a few times and get back to reality! LOL
Interesting article and website. Maybe Matt Lauer can read this on the Today Show and remind people out there that not only the Scientology view of depression exists. Actually, I personally know several people who cringe at the idea of depression and are scared by it. I hope the word continues to spread.
Hi Dr. Serani, I'm the writer of the Genetics and Public Health Blog and you scooped me on this one! Your blog is personable and informative, a great combination.
I've introduced you to my readers in this post:
Mental Health and Blog of the Week: Dr. Deborah Serani.
:)
Dear Traci,
We all have days where we can feel lazy, tired and even blue. Feelings like that are kinda normal...but when someone feels those things more deeply, it can be serious. Depression is a real thing, and technology like this really helps us see that!!
Dear Melanie,
Love your Southpark character. I also hope the words and scientific evidence continue to expand!
Dear Lei,
Wow, thank you so much for the compliment. I have linked your very special blog to mine as well!!!
~Deb
just popping in to say hello.. and thank you for popping by to visit...
busy week here for me.. but a good one..
i hope yours has been just as good!
Wow! I am going to go take a look. Have a favorite niece with depression who takes (or doesn't take) a whole lot of meds. Think I will pass it along.
Thanks for the info!
Dear Kath Mckait,
Busy here too, but good busy. I'll pop in and say hi to you too.
Dear Lightfeather,
Definitely pass this info on!
~Deb
Dr. Deborah Serani - Thanks. Your addition has made the post very meaningful.
Dear Shirazi,
I am most pleased that the info could be of some help. The recent earthquake, with its devastation of life, is so terrible.
~Deb
Wow - I'm so glad I live now and not 100 years ago. This is an amazing discovery! Frankly, I'm floored. I always thought at a chemical level regarding depression but never at the genetic level.
Hell, Tom Cruise would probably deny the existence of DNA itself...
Kim,
I agree that Mr. Cruise would find some way to debunk the science of it all. LOL!!!
It is great that evidence continues to help take the stigma out of mental illness.
~Deb
Hi Dr. Serani..I stumbled upon your site a couple of weeks ago and have been checking it periodically. Today when I read about the new discovery of depression being "real" it made me happy and sad at the same time. My grandfather suffered from depression many years ago and never had the benefit of the wonderful drugs/therapies available today. My mom often recalled in horror how grandpa had to go to Buffalo to the "big hospital" for shock therapy. It horrifies me to think of a sweet, bright man being shocked because he was depressed.Fast forward 60 years and I am here, a 48 year old mom that takes Fluoxetine every day and have a great life. My mom was never diagnosed or treated but when I look back and remember so many instances in our lives, I see that she was also probably depressed and would have enjoyed life so much more if she had been diagnosed and treated. Thanks for your blog. It is a bright spot on the web. Chris
Dear Chris (AKA Needadayoff)
I feel your sorrow too. I also take Fluoxetine and enoy a good quality of life.
I helped my Dad find medication several years ago to suit his needs, and for the first time in his life he feels wonderful. He suffered much like your grandfather...terrible that for 70+years my Dad experienced terrible bouts of depression.
It is sad that technology was not available for your grandad and other like him and my dad, and other generations since. I think we just have to accept that sorrowful piece of history.
At least our children and the generations of tomorrow can know that much of mental illness is a brain related, genetic related issue. Hpefully technology will get even more precise. Imagine the possibilities.
Thanks for writing here. I wanted to visit you on your blog, but couldn't get there.
~Deb
Thanks for the kind words Dr. Deb.Our world has advanced soooo far in the last 40-50 years, I can only imagine what it will be like by the time my sons are parents. As for my blog--I have been having a hard time setting it up--i hope to have it up and running this weekend sometime. Chris
Dear Chris,
Hope you get it set up soon. I like visiting blog friends!
~Deb
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