Depression has become a very common mental health problem nowadays. A large part of the population across the world is facing this problem. There are many factors that can lead to depression, including stress.
Recently, researchers from the University of Illinois, Chicago, USA have successfully identified a biomarker that can help track depression. Researchers have identified a biomarker present in human platelets that helps track the extent of depression. Mark Rasnick, who led the team of scientists, said that when we are depressed, adenylyl cyclase is low. Adenylyl cyclase is a small molecule inside the cell that is made in response to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and epinephrine.
According to UIC Today, Rasenic states that the reason why adenylyl cyclase is impaired is that the mediator protein that allows the neurotransmitter to make adenylyl cyclase, GS alpha, becomes trapped in the cholesterol-rich matrix of the membrane — a lipid raft — where they don’t do a great job.
The new study, titled ‘A Novel Peripheral Biomarker for Depression and Antidepressant Response’, published in Molecular Psychiatry, has identified a cellular biomarker responsible for the translation of GS alpha from lipid rafts. This biomarker is identified through a blood test.
Rasnik said they have developed not only a test that identifies depression but also with a biomarker that signals therapeutic response. According to UIS Today, Rasnik said it does not exist to this day.
Researchers think they will be able to test the effectiveness of antidepressants with this blood test.
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