Study Links DNA Changes To Depression, Suicide

August 2, 2008 9:27 p.m. EST

London, Ontario (AHN) - Scientists from the University of Western Ontario and Carleton University has established a DNA link to depression and suicide.

The Med Guru reported that scientists discovered proteins that chemically modify DNA directly. They examined brains of people who died of suicide, and compared them to the brains of people who died from natural causes such as heart attacks.

Researchers found the proteins were more prevalent in the brains of people who committed suicide. A chemical that can modify DNA in brain cells was 10 times widespread in suicide cases.

They also discovered a gene that affects brain regulation activity. The gene was severely modified and its expression reduced, which fitted depression.

Despite the chemical modification's long term effects and its difficulty to reverse, the gene is malleable in the brain.

The malleability of the gene comes as a "surprise" as it opens an opportunity to further advance mental health therapy and treatment of mental disorders.