Researchers from Columbia University and McGill University have discovered a crucial brain chemical linked to trauma and depression, offering hope for more effective treatments for those resistant to standard antidepressants.
The study identified SGK1, a stress-related protein, as a biological bridge connecting childhood trauma, depression, and suicidal behaviour. High SGK1 levels were found in both the brains of suicide victims and in individuals carrying genetic variants associated with early-life adversity.
High SGK1 Levels Found in Victims of Early Trauma
According to lead researcher Christoph Anacker, Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurobiology at Columbia University, high SGK1 levels are strongly associated with people who faced abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction during childhood.
“These findings reveal how early adversity shapes brain biology and increases vulnerability to depression,” Anacker said.
The team found that adults who had suffered childhood trauma showed up to twice as much SGK1 in the hippocampus compared to others who died by suicide.
New Antidepressants May Target SGK1
Current antidepressants like SSRIs often fail for individuals with traumatic backgrounds. Based on the study’s findings, drugs that block SGK1 activity could become the next generation of antidepressants.
In animal tests, mice given SGK1 inhibitors during chronic stress did not develop depressive-like symptoms, showing strong potential for future treatments.
SGK1 inhibitors are already being tested for conditions like atrial fibrillation, which could fast-track human trials for depression.
Childhood Trauma and the Biology of Depression
Around 60% of adults with major depression and two-thirds of suicide attempters report experiencing early-life adversity. This suggests that depression following trauma may involve different biological processes than depression without such experiences.
Researchers now believe that screening for SGK1 levels or genetic variants could help identify people most at risk for depression and suicidal thinking after trauma.
The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, was titled “Hippocampal SGK1 promotes vulnerability to depression: the role of early life adversity, stress, and genetic risk.”
It opens a promising path toward personalized mental health care where genetic testing and SGK1-targeted drugs could prevent severe depression in vulnerable individuals.
Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.
You May Like
Trending Searches Today |
Lenskart Solutions IPO Opens on October 31: Price Band, Allotment, Listing Date, and Review
Donald Trump Calls PM Modi ‘Nicest-Looking Guy’ and ‘Tough as Hell’
CBDT Extends ITR Filing Deadline for AY 2025-26 to December 10
CBSE Releases Date Sheet for Class 10 and 12 Board Exams 2026
Mumbai Indians Confirm Rohit Sharma’s Future Amid Trade Rumours To KKR
TRAI Introduces CNAP: India’s Verified Caller ID System to Curb Scam and Spam Calls
- [Best-in-class Sound Quality]: 10.4mm+6mm dynamic dual driver, LHDC5.0 Bluetooth CODEC and high resolution certification…
- [49dB Adaptive Nosie Cancellation]: Advanced noise-cancelling technology,coupled with a high-performance chip,elevates t…
- [Dual Connection]:It can simulatenously connect to 2 devices such as Andriod/iOS/Windows smartphone, tablets or computer…
- [Best-in-class Sound Quality]: 10.4mm+6mm dynamic dual driver, LHDC5.0 Bluetooth CODEC and high resolution certification…
- [49dB Adaptive Nosie Cancellation]: Advanced noise-cancelling technology,coupled with a high-performance chip,elevates t…
- [Dual Connection]:It can simulatenously connect to 2 devices such as Andriod/iOS/Windows smartphone, tablets or computer…
- [Best-in-class Sound Quality]: 10.4mm+6mm dynamic dual driver, LHDC5.0 Bluetooth CODEC and high resolution certification…
- [Sliding Volume Control]: Slide on the surface of touch area of buds to adjust the volume.Sliding up increases the volum…
- [49dB Adaptive Nosie Cancellation]: Advanced noise-cancelling technology,coupled with a high-performance chip,elevates t…