NU 2010-062

Inventors

Eva Redei* 

Brian Andrus 

Abstract

Northwestern researchers have discovered a set of genes whose mRNA levels differ in the blood of animals that show higher and lower levels of depressive behavior. While a subset of these genes expressed in the blood and brain regions is common between these two groups, there is another subset of genes which are differentially expressed in the blood of adolescents and adults with major depressive disorders (MDD) and their control counterparts. Currently, there is no biological diagnostic tool that is available for major depression. This differentiated set of genes may be used as biomarkers to diagnose MDD from human blood sample, which would improve the specificity of diagnosis and treatment of individuals with MDD. 

Applications

• Diagnostic Tools for Major Depressive Disorders

Advantages

• First biological diagnostic for depression
• Improved diagnostic and treatment specificity
• Improved management of patients at risk
• Reduce misclassification of behavior

Publication 

Pajer K, Andrus BM, Gardner W, Lourie A, Strange B, Campo J, Bridge J, Blizinsky K, Dennis K, Vedell P, Churchill GA and Redei EE (2012) Discovery of blood transcriptomic markers for depression in animal models and pilot validation in subjects with early-onset major depression. Translational Psychiatry. 2: e101. 

IP Status

Issued US Patent Nos. 9,469,875 and 9,951,387