Getting out of bed can be hard on some days, but for people with these genetic mutations it can be even harder.
Example of circadian rhythm on human body
Scientific literature has extensively explored the link between circadian irregularities (such as sleeping abnormalities) and major depressive disorders; however this research has failed to explain this correlation within our genomes—until yesterday.
On March 1st, 2016 Vanderbilt Scientists were able to sort through over 1000 genomes to find that major depressive disorder can be explained by genetics when you take into account one’s sex. In other words, women and men respond differently to certain “clock” genes that affects depression. To identify these genes, they conducted a genome wide association study.
Of the 1000 genomes they collected, about half of them identified as having depression and the other half of them were considered to be the control. The scientists then compared the genomes of the two groups and found genes that were distinct for people with depression, and they were not able to narrow the results down to only a couple genes.
But once the team further separated their data by sex, they found that there was one gene that clearly influenced depression in females (hPer3) and a different one for males (hClock). These genes both influence circadian rhythm, sleep patterns, and cognitive function; but they are regulated by genes and different environmental factors.
We are entering an era of big data, and with thousands of genomes available worldwide it allows scientist to read our blueprint to help us understand how much genetics plays a role in our life. It is the code of all codes, and with new technologies available, we have the power to read what DNA is saying.
Globally, it is estimated that over 350 million people suffer from depression. If we could narrow down these genes, it could help people cope with their disease by teaching people that their disease isn’t all in their head, and that there are genetic reasons as to why they feel the way they feel. Maybe even further down the road we could develop drugs that can help interact with specific genes that could minimize depression symptoms to help people live a happier life.
Further Reading:
S-q Shi1,10, M J White2,10, H M Borsetti3,10, J S Pendergast4, A Hida5, C M Ciarleglio6, P A de Verteuil7, A G Cadar7, C Cala1, D G McMahon1, R C Shelton8, S M Williams9 and C H Johnson1,7 (2016) Molecular analyses of circadian gene variants reveal sex-dependent links between depression and clocks. Translational Psychiatry 6, e748; doi:10.1038/tp.2016.9
