Mitophagy-Related Genes in Astrocytes May Serve as MDD Biomarkers
A trio of newly identified mitophagy-related genes in astrocytes are promising biomarkers for diagnosing and treating major depressive disorder (MDD), according to a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
“Mitophagy, a selective autophagy of cells, specifically eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria. The mitochondria dysfunction in the astrocytes is regarded as a critical pathogenetic mechanism of MDD,” explained a research team from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China. “However, studies on the mitophagy of astrocytes in MDD are scarce.”
Researchers used bioinformatics methods to investigate relationships between astrocyte-related genes and mitophagy-related genes in patients with MDD. They began by identifying astrocyte- and mitophagy-related differentially expressed genes (AMRDEGs) in the microarray dataset of MDD from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.
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Machine learning algorithms identified 3 hub AMRDEGs: GRN, NDUFAF4, and SNCA, according to the study. The machine learning algorithms then created and validated a diagnostic prediction model that researchers described as having good diagnostic performance and potential clinical applications.
An analysis of transcription factor-gene and gene-microRNA interaction networks identified 6 transcription factors and 14 microRNAs. A further analysis of immune infiltration revealed a close association between MDD and immune cells, researchers reported.
In addition, a gene set variant analysis of MDD samples identified a relationship between MDD and immune and mitochondrial metabolism and inflammatory signaling pathways.
“We identified 3 hub AMRDEGs, new biomarkers for treating and diagnosing MDD and associated with immuno-inflammation,” researchers wrote. “Our research provides new insights into the early diagnosis and treatment of MDD.”
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