In people who suffer from depressive states, the amount of miRNAs, molecules found only in primates and in humans, decreases in the brain.
This discovery will provide an opportunity to approach the development and creation of new antidepressants aimed at increasing the concentration of this molecule.
This conclusion was made by Canadian researchers from McGill University and the Douglas Institute of Mental Health. The results of a study by Canadian experts are published in the latest issue of the journal Nature Medicine.
“In our scientific work, we used the materials of brain tissue of patients who suffer from depression. We compared these tissues with tissue samples from healthy people. As a result, we found the miR-1202 molecule. As it turned out, this molecule regulates the content of such an important neurotransmitter called glutamate for the nervous system, ”explained Dr. Gustavo Turecki, the lead author of the study.
Finding out that this miRNA is interrelated with the development of depression, the researchers decided to find out how antidepressants act on this molecule, and how its number changes in people who take such drugs.
“Our work showed that in patients taking antidepressants, the level of this miRNA is higher than in those people who have been found to be depressed, but who have not taken drugs. During treatment, the amount of this molecule gradually increases, ”added Dr. Turetsky.
According to the authors of the study, despite the fact that antidepressants act effectively, most patients react differently to such drugs. Now, an open molecule can be a target in the development of new and more effective treatments for depression.