Depression changes gene function of brain cells
October 26, 2008 by Grace Ibay
Filed under Epigenetics and Environment, Mental health and Behavior
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An interesting article on the suicidal brain came out of Biological Psychiatry this week - A gene for neurotransmitter reception is shut down in the suicidal brain.
Scientists found chemical changes relating to regulation of cell development were happening in the brains of people with major depressive disorder who committed suicide. The gene controlling neurotransmitter reception plays a role in regulating behavior. It’s very interesting. Without proper regulation of behavior, then I assume the behavior would be erratic and contribute to suicidal tendencies.
This is another example of epigenetics at work. Without even changing the DNA structure, environment can cause heritable changes in gene function. In this case, depression triggers the brain
