EstroGen · Reciprocal interactions between hypogonadism and epigenetic modifications: A path for the development of personalized treatments for depression
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2022-03-14 → 2024-08-13
- EU contribution
- €145,941
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Reciprocal interactions between hypogonadism and epigenetic modifications: A path for the development of personalized treatments for depression
This project examines the relationship between hormonal changes, particularly hypogonadism (insufficient sex hormone production), and depression. Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder affecting millions, resulting in significant personal, social, and economic burdens. A critical factor contributing to depression, especially in aging populations or individuals undergoing procedures that lower hormone levels (e.g., gonadectomy), is the deficiency of sex hormones like estrogen or testosterone. However, the precise biological mechanisms linking hormonal imbalances to mood disorders are still unclear. Understanding these connections is vital for enhancing mental health treatments, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly. Depression is a leading cause of disability, affecting quality of life, productivity, and healthcare costs while contributing to societal issues like suicide risk. Additionally, exploring how hormonal changes affect brain function can lead to targeted therapies. This project investigates potential biomarkers for earlier detection and personalized treatment of depression, improving therapeutic effectiveness and reducing the burden of mental health disorders. The project has two main objectives: 1) To characterize the effects of combined hypogonadism and mild stress on the brain and its epigenetic landscape (changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence). 2) To identify biomarkers of hypogonadism-induced epigenetic changes that predict vulnerability to depression, paving the way for earlier and more personalized interventions.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Major depressive disorder afflicts ~16% of the population and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Classical antidepressants take weeks-to-months for clinical efficacy and only a sub-population of patients responds to treatment, highlighting the need for the development of novel rapid-acting and effective pharmacotherapies. Hypogonadism, the decrease in the production of gonadal hormones occurring due to ageing or several other medical conditions, has been associated with an increased risk for development of mood disorders, including depression. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic changes induced by stress or other environmental factors might also contribute to the development of depression; however, the reciprocal interactions between hypogonadism, stress, epigenetic modifications and depression has received limited attention. During this project, my in-depth knowledge in studying the role of gonadal hormones in the pathophysiology of mood disorders will be combined with expertise of the Host lab in assessing epigenetic mechanisms of disease, to identify novel associations between hypogonadism and epigenetic modifications underpinning and/or predicting susceptibility for depression development. In particular, EstroGen proposes an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the combinatorial effect of hypogonadism/stress on epigenome and their role in depression, using preclinical models. In addition, this project aims to identify hypogonadism-related epigenetic biomarkers to predict subsequent development of depression. Importantly, this fellowship will propel my academic career and help me become a scientific leader at the interface of epigenetics, gonadal hormones and mood disorders, by acting as a stepping stone towards securing future research funding and acquiring a tenure track position in Europe.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS · NicosiaCoordinatorCyprus
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union